Philippine Bureau of Immigration expands its blacklist targeting illegal online gambling

Philippine authorities are intensifying efforts against illegal online gambling hubs, preventing more than 150 Vietnamese nationals from entering the country in March alone. Over the same period, around 220 individuals from various nationalities, including 30 Chinese and 14 Indonesians, were denied entry.

Norman Tansingco, the Commissioner of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, emphasized that these measures are not directed at specific nationalities but are based on careful examination of travel patterns and activities. The Bureau utilizes data on past arrests and interceptions to identify individuals with similar travel behaviors.

These actions extend beyond individuals with criminal records; even foreign workers rescued from a recent raid on an offshore gaming operator are now blacklisted by the Bureau. Among the 875 individuals rescued from the Tarlac POGO, 57 Vietnamese nationals are effectively barred from re-entering the Philippines.

Commissioner Tansingco affirmed the Bureau’s commitment to continue large-scale arrests of illegal aliens, urging local government units to report any suspected illegal aliens involved in illicit activities. Regional intelligence units are actively engaged in locating, apprehending, and deporting these individuals.

Furthermore, Tansingco highlighted that foreigners with valid working visas could face deportation and blacklisting if found working for fake companies or engaging in undesirable activities unrelated to their visa petitions.

It is important that government authorities work together to help stop the operations of illegal online gaming operations in the Philippines. Always make sure the website and operator are always on the licensed list.

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