PRESS RELEASE
15 March 2025
PASAY CITY — In a decisive effort to crack down on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 49 foreign nationals during a joint enforcement operation at a commercial building along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City evening of March 14.
The operation was carried out following a mission order, after the BI conducted joint verification efforts with the NBI.
The foreigners were arrested after the BI received information that they were working for a fraudulent online scam hub operating under the guise of a legitimate digital services and online marketing company.
Operatives found the employees engaged in cyber-enabled fraud, targeting victims both locally and internationally through various digital platforms.
The arrested individuals were found working without appropriate visas, with two identified as having active derogatory records.
These include a 29-year-old Bangladeshi male under a Watchlist Order (WLO) for alleged involvement in illegal recruitment activities, and a 25-year-old Pakistani male under an Alert List Order (ALO) related to suspected financial fraud.
Following booking and documentation procedures, the arrested individuals will face deportation proceedings and subsequent blacklisting.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado commended the joint efforts of the BI and NBI, highlighting the significance of the operation in dismantling illegal POGO operations.
“This successful operation is a testament to the strong collaboration between the BI and the NBI. We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the country from illegal foreign operations that undermine our laws and exploit our people,” said Viado. “We will continue to intensify our enforcement operations to protect national security and uphold the integrity of our immigration policies.”
The move was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ Jr. firm stance against illegal activities and cybercrime. It can be recalled that the Marcos administration previously banned POGO operations in the country during his State of the Nation Address.
“Our government will not tolerate any form of exploitation or fraudulent activity that harms our people and our economy. This successful operation reflects our unwavering resolve to protect our citizens and maintain law and order,” said Viado. #
