21 Chinese involved in online illegal gambling deported, says Immigration Bureau
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The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday said more Chinese involved in illegal online gambling have been deported.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said at least 21 Chinese boarded a Philippine Airlines flight to Wuhan, China on Wednesday afternoon.
He said this was the second batch of illegal online gambling-related deportations.
The initial batch of six Chinese was deported last October 19, according to the BI.
Tansingco said the Chinese were escorted by operatives from the BI’s Warden Facility Protection Unit, Border Control and Intelligence Unit, and Intelligence Division.
Meanwhile, the BI earlier said that it will implement the deportation of more than 300 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, who have been arrested by the authorities for involvement in illegal online gambling.
The BI commissioner said they have reported the update to the Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who attended and monitored the departure of the first batch of deportees.
“We will ensure that those involved in illegal activities will be deported and blacklisted,” Tansingco said.
“This is to create a safe space for foreign nationals who comply with immigration policies are here in the country legally,” he added.
Tansingco said they are in close coordination with the Chinese Embassy for the expeditious release of the deportees’ travel documents for the next batch of deportation.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs has not received notice from China that the Philippines is being blacklisted and that it is banning Chinese tourists from visiting the country due to illegal gambling operations.
Henry Bensurto, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs and one of the key officials who would be notified of the Philippines' inclusion in a Chinese travel blacklist said he has not received any information on such matter. — Richa Noriega/RSJ, GMA News
