By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Immigration authorities have expelled 115 Chinese nationals accused of involvement in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs), following separate enforcement raids in Zamboanga Sibugay and Quezon City.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said 62 individuals were arrested in Zamboanga Sibugay, while another 53 were apprehended in Cubao, Quezon City, during operations conducted last month.
Following the issuance of summary deportation orders by the BI Board of Commissioners, all 115 were flown to China aboard a chartered China Southern Airlines aircraft.
The deportations come amid continuing efforts to eliminate illegal gaming activities following the government’s nationwide POGO ban.
Authorities have noted that although some former Filipino workers in the industry have continued smaller-scale gaming operations, foreign nationals remain involved in operating illegal gambling businesses in the country.
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