• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A Chinese national, who is linked to Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities, was recently arrested by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Barangay 16, Bacolod City.
The arrest of Xie Yingwen, 34, was carried out under a mission order issued by Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, following information provided by government intelligence sources.
The BI conducted the operation in coordination with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and Bacolod City Police Office,
Aside from his failure to present any identification documents, the BI further verification showed that Xie had failed to extend his visa, making him an overstaying alien.
The BI also tagged him as an undesirable alien due to his alleged links to online gaming operations.
The operation was conducted as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal foreign nationals, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that the country is protected from foreigners allegedly abusing its hospitality.
Viado said the BI’s close coordination with the intelligence community, local government units, and law enforcement agencies has strengthened its capability to monitor and locate foreign nationals believed to be violating Philippine immigration laws.
“Our operations are not merely centralized in Metro Manila,” Viado said, stressing that cooperation with local authorities and intelligence units enables the BI to track and arrest illegal aliens who may be hiding in other parts of the country.
Following his arrest, Xie was transferred to the BI holding facility at Bicutan in Taguig, where he will remain while deportation charges against him are being processed. | GPB
