By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Seventy-six foreign nationals were apprehended in a raid at a suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator or POGO-related facility allegedly involved in online scam activities in Quezon City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Tuesday.
In his report to Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, BI Intelligence Division (ID) chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., noted that the foreigners were allegedly engaged in online scamming activities when BI operatives entered the premises in Barangay Socorro on Monday.
Initial identification showed that the group consisted of 74 Chinese nationals and two Myanmar nationals.
The BI said the joint operation is pursuant to a mission order, as part of the government’s continuing efforts to enforce President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to put an end to illegal POGO operations and implement Republic Act 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025.
He added that the apprehended foreign nationals are undergoing inquest proceedings and will face deportation proceedings in accordance with Philippine immigration laws.
Upon issuance of deportation orders, Viado said, the arrested individuals will be placed on the BI’s blacklist, barring their future re-entry into the Philippines.
“The BI will continue its operations against illegal POGO activities. We remain committed to enforcing our immigration laws and supporting the government’s campaign against online scamming and other illicit operations,” Viado said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also joined the operation.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said these operations underscore the importance of interagency cooperation in addressing “suspected illegal activities with potential national security implications.”
