In a significant move against illegal activities, the Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported 23 Chinese nationals on November 21, 2025, for their involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) and cyberfraud. The individuals were found to have violated multiple immigration laws, including participation in POGO-related activities, running fraudulent schemes, and being wanted criminals in their home country. The deportees were sent on a Philippine Airlines flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado emphasized that additional arrests and deportations are anticipated as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle illegal online gaming facilities and scam operations. This crackdown aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2024 State of the Nation Address, where he announced a nationwide ban on POGOs due to their association with human trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. The ban was formalized on October 29, 2025, with the signing of Republic Act No. 12312, also known as the Anti-Pogo Act of 2025, which prohibits all offshore gaming operations and revokes existing visas and work permits of foreign POGO employees.
Philippines deports 23 Chinese nationals over illegal gaming operations, cyberfraud
