THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported three Chinese nationals just over two weeks after their arrest—a process completed in record time.
The move to fast-track deportation, said BI Commissioner Joel Viado, is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement banning POGO operations in the country.
“This is only the first batch of deportees,” said Viado. “We are working tirelessly to ensure the swift removal of all individuals found violating our immigration laws. This demonstrates our resolve to uphold the President’s mandate and protect the country’s interests,” he added.
The deported individuals, identified as Lyu Xun, 23; Kong Xiangrui, 26; and Wang Shangle, 25, were among 450 illegal POGO workers apprehended during a massive operation conducted by the BI on January 8.
They were sent back on board an Air Asia flight to Xiamen, China afternoon of January 25.
The BI also issued a strong warning to remaining illegal POGO workers still in the country. “We encourage those who are still here illegally to voluntarily surrender to authorities,” urged Viado. “Avoid the embarrassment and consequences of arrest. Cooperate now to facilitate your departure,” he added.
More deportations are set to follow in the coming weeks, as the BI intensifies its efforts to rid the country of illegal workers.
“This is only the beginning,” said Viado. “The Bureau is intent on carrying out its mandate swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that violators are held accountable and deported without unnecessary delay.”
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