BI Crackdown Continues: 16 Foreign Nationals Nabbed In Second Illegal POGO Raid In Two Weeks

QUEZON CITY — Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration’s Intelligence Division (BI-ID), through its Special Response Team (ID-SRT) and Region 4 Regional Intelligence Operations Unit (RIOU), conducted a joint operation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ National Capital Region Command on October 12, resulting in the apprehension of 76 foreign nationals at a suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related facility allegedly used for online scamming activities in Barangay Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City.

The operation was conducted by the BI Intelligence Division pursuant to a duly issued 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 No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025.

BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato S. Manahan Jr., who reported the operation to Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado, said the foreign nationals were allegedly engaged in online scamming activities when BI operatives entered the premises.

Initial identification showed that the group consisted of 74 Chinese nationals and two Myanmar nationals.

The apprehended foreign nationals are undergoing inquest proceedings and will face deportation proceedings in accordance with Philippine immigration laws. Upon issuance of deportation orders, they will be placed on the BI’s blacklist, barring their future re-entry into the Philippines.

Viado reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations against illegal POGO activities and other unlawful activities involving foreign nationals.

“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. #