Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives arrested 32 foreign nationals found to be working in a clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Paranaque city.
BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the arrested foreigners were found to be working in online gaming and scamming operations in a building in Aseana enclave in Parañaque City.
Only last week, the immigration and police operatives apprehended 400 foreigners working illegally in Paranaque city and found out to be operating in an online scam. The BI arrested 20 Chinese, 11 Malaysians, and 1 Cambodian after operatives monitored illegal activities, including engagement in love scams, in their building.
The operation was conducted in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado commended the operations, saying that their intensified drive against illegal POGOs will continue.
The BI said that more arrests and deportations are expected, following the President’s nationwide ban on POGO operations. The 32 foreigners will remain under the physical custody of the NBI while undergoing deportation proceedings with the BI.