PH deports over a hundred Chinese nationals linked to scam hubs

Philippine authorities deported more than 100 Chinese nationals arrested during separate anti-scam operations in Zamboanga Sibugay and Quezon City, immigration officials said on Friday, Nov. 6.

The group, composed of 115 Chinese nationals, was flown back to China aboard a chartered China Southern Airlines flight that departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Friday, according to a Philippine News Agency report.

The deportees included 62 individuals arrested in a raid in Zamboanga Sibugay on Oct. 2 and 53 others apprehended in Cubao, Quezon City on Oct. 12.

PNA reported that the removals were carried out after the Bureau of Immigration's Board of Commissioners issued summary deportation orders against the foreign nationals.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the deportation reflects the agency's efforts to ensure that foreigners involved in unlawful activities are held accountable.

He added that the bureau would continue working with local and international law enforcement partners to strengthen operations against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities, online scams and other transnational crimes.

Paraluman News with a report of Ferdinand Patinio/Philippine News Agency