THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported 57 foreign nationals as part of its relentless campaign to remove illegal aliens from the country, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and enforce immigration laws without compromise.
The deportees were sent back via several flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from January 31 to February 5.
They are part of the 450 foreign nationals arrested in January for violating Philippine laws, particularly those involved in illegal POGO activities.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance against foreigners who exploit the country’s hospitality to engage in illegal activities.
“We will not allow foreign nationals to abuse our immigration system. Those who break our laws and insist on continuing illegal POGO activities in the Philippines will be arrested and swiftly deported,” said Viado. “Under the leadership of President Marcos and with the full support of the Department of Justice, we are resolute in ridding the country of these undesirable aliens,” he added.
The crackdown is particularly focused on foreign nationals involved in illegal POGOs, which have been linked to human trafficking, cyber fraud, and other criminal enterprises.
Viado stressed that those who took advantage of the country’s hospitality to run illicit operations will not be spared.
The deportation drive is part of the BI’s intensified enforcement efforts. Authorities are working closely to identify, arrest, and remove foreign nationals engaged in criminal activities.
The BI vowed to sustain its mass deportation efforts in coordination with law enforcement agencies, promising more arrests and removals in the coming months.
