MANILA – Philippine immigration authorities on Saturday (08 Feb 2025) said they have deported a high-profile Indian fugitive, Joginder Gyong (aka Gupta Kant), wanted for terrorism and organized crime.
Gyong, arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Bacolod City in July 2024, was deported on February 1, 2025, en route to Bangkok and then to New Delhi, where Indian authorities immediately took him into custody.
Gyong faces charges for 26 criminal cases across India, including murder, extortion, and kidnapping.
He is accused of leading organized crime syndicates, procuring illegal firearms, and orchestrating contract killings.
His arrest follows an international police red notice, and he is linked to terror-related networks.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the importance of international cooperation, highlighting that Gyong’s deportation underscores the Philippines’ commitment to fighting transnational crime. “Criminals and terrorists will find no safe haven here,” Viado said.
In related news, the BI also barred 137 foreign nationals from entering the Philippines in 2024 for being registered sex offenders, with Americans topping the list. These individuals are permanently banned from returning to the country.
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MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported 26 foreign nationals involved in illicit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) on February 7, 2025.
This latest group consisted of 23 Chinese nationals and three Malaysians, who were sent back to their respective countries aboard Philippine Airlines and Malaysian Airlines flights.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado revealed that these deportees were part of a larger group of 450 foreign nationals arrested in January for violating Philippine immigration laws, particularly in relation to POGO scams.
Just the day before, the BI also reported the deportation of 57 foreign nationals, including 46 Chinese, seven Myanmar nationals, three Vietnamese, and one Malaysian, who were arrested for similar offenses between January 31 and February 5.
“We are resolute in enforcing immigration laws and removing individuals exploiting the country for illegal activities,” Viado stated. He assured that the BI would continue working with other government agencies to target foreign nationals involved in illegal operations.
“The fight against illegal POGOs is a whole-of-government effort,” Viado emphasized. “Foreign nationals engaged in unauthorized activities should take this as a warning: we will find you, arrest you, and deport you.”
This ongoing crackdown aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to eradicate POGOs and uphold the rule of law in the Philippines.
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