The Bureau of Immigration Commissioner on Tuesday ordered deportation proceedings against a British woman allegedly involved in the smuggling of P500-million worth of diamonds and other jewelry into the country.

Commissioner Marcelino Libanan issued the directive after Alpha Kwok, a Chinese-born British national from Hong Kong, was turned over to the BI by the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group.

PASG operatives arrested the woman in an entrapment last week inside her condominium unit in Ortigas Center, Pasig City where a large quantity of diamonds and other expensive jewelry was recovered from her possession.

Libanan directed the BI law and investigation division to immediately commence deportation proceedings against the woman for immigration law violations.

Kwok, now detained at the Bicutan immigration jail, will be charged with a deportation case for engaging in gainful activity in the country without the proper permit and visa.

BI Associate Commissioner Roy Almoro, however, stressed that Kwok will not be deported yet because she faces possible criminal prosecution for smuggling before a Philippine court.

Almoro, who presented Kwok to newsmen after her turnover to the BI, also said that the woman is now in the immigration watchlist to prevent her from leaving the country.

Earlier, the PASG received intelligence reports that Kwok had been smuggling into the country high-quality diamonds and expensive jewelry and selling them to regular clients, including politicians and businessmen, and some jewelry shops in Metro Manila.

A test buy was then conducted by the PASG which used an undercover agent to buy diamonds.

The PASG said Kwok failed to pay the necessary taxes and duties on the gems and jewels she brought into the country.