The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the second batch of illegal online gambling-related deportations.
According to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, 21 additional Chinese nationals boarded a Philippine Airlines flight to Wuhan, China afternoon of November 2.
This comes after the initial batch of six Chinese nationals deported last October 19, 2022.
Subjects were escorted by operatives from the BI’s Warden Facility Protection Unit, Border Control and Intelligence Unit, and Intelligence Division.
The BI earlier reported that it will implement the deportation of more than 300 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese citizens, who have been arrested by local law enforcement agencies for involvement in illegal online gambling.
Tansingco said that they have reported the update to the Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who attended and monitored the departure of the first batch of deportees.
“We will ensure that those involved in illegal activities will be deported and blacklisted,” said Tansingco. “This is to create a safe space for foreign nationals who comply with immigration policies are here in the country legally,” he added.
Second batch of illegal online gambling-related deportations out – BI
Tansingco said they expect the next batch to be implemented soon, as they are in close coordination with the Chinese Embassy for the expeditious release of the deportees’ travel documents.
Meanwhile, three significant local business organizations are in favor of the government’s efforts to stop Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO).
“The social and reputational costs of the government sponsorship of operations that are globally frowned upon far outweigh any economic benefits,” read the joint statement from the Makati Business Club (MBC), the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), and public advocacy group Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), adding that regulator monitoring has been an issue for some time.
The groups also stated that the multi-billion peso gambling industry had experienced a 50–70% reduction since the global COVID-19 epidemic about three years ago, indicating that this is the ideal time to shut it down.
“The total ban will only result in temporary economic strains, as opposed to the enduring socio-economic consequences and heavier disruption if we do not act now,” it added.
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