MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported 23 Chinese nationals involved in unlawful POGO activities and cyberfraud on November 21, following the recent enactment of the Anti-POGO Law that imposes stricter penalties and strengthens the government’s authority to shut down illegal gaming hubs and related scam operations.

The BI said the new law further empowers enforcement agencies to decisively address crimes tied to offshore gaming, including human trafficking, cyber fraud, and illegal employment.

Atty. Alexi Val Arciaga, Chief of the BI’s deportation and implementation unit, said the 23 foreign nationals were boarded on a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 early Friday morning. All were subjects of deportation orders for violations of Philippine immigration laws, including involvement in POGO-like activities, fraud, and being wanted criminals in China.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the deportation reaffirms the administration’s resolve to remove foreign nationals engaged in illegal activities, in line with the President’s directive to safeguard national security.

“As long as illegal online gaming facilities and scam hubs persist, our enforcement operations will continue. The public can expect more arrests and deportations in the days ahead. We will ensure that those who violate our laws are removed without delay,” Viado said.