Immigration Bureau deports 115 Chinese nationals arrested in scam hub raids via charter flight

Immigration Bureau deports 115 Chinese nationals arrested in scam hub raids via charter flight

📌 On Friday, November 6, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported to China on a charter flight 115 Chinese nationals arrested in October raids on illegal POGO (online gambling) and scam hubs. They consist of 62 people caught in Zamboanga Sibugay and 53 people caught in Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

■ Background
· According to the PNA, 62 and 53 people were arrested in raids on scam hubs in Zamboanga Sibugay on Friday, October 2 and in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday, October 12, respectively.
· Under a summary deportation order from the BI Board of Commissioners, they departed at 10 a.m. on the 6th from Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila on China Southern Airlines charter flight CZ5308.
· The total number of people arrested in the raids is larger than the number deported this time. The Daily Tribune reported that 244 foreign nationals were arrested in Zamboanga Sibugay and 76 in Cubao in October.

■ Investigation and current status
· BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said this deportation shows the BI's resolve to hold foreign nationals involved in illegal activities accountable.
· The BI said it will strengthen cooperation with domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies to fight international crimes such as illegal POGOs and online scams.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· Offers of "online jobs" in the Philippines promising high pay may be linked to scam hubs, so check that the company actually exists first.
· Foreign nationals caught working at illegal operations may be subject to arrest and deportation. Before you start work, make sure you have a proper work permit and visa.

■ Sources
GMA News (11/6), Daily Tribune (11/6), PNA (11/6), Philippine Canadian Inquirer (11/6)

■ Photos
· 1. Deportees in pink shirts heading to the airport terminal — GMA News
· 2. Chinese deportees sitting in a waiting room — Philippine Canadian Inquirer
· 3. File photo · An official answering reporters' questions — Daily Tribune