Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel arrested 32 foreign nationals during a raid on an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) hub in Parañaque City, according to a BI report this Saturday.
According to Fortunato Manahan Jr., BI's intelligence division chief, the suspects are involved in online gaming and scam operations, including "love scams." The illegal activities were carried out inside a building located in the Aseana enclave.
The operation, which was conducted on the night of January 17, was in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). After weeks of surveillance, 20 Chinese, 11 Malaysians, and one Cambodian were arrested.
Manahan mentioned that this is part of the government's intensified campaign against illegal POGO operations that do not have proper permits and are often involved in fraudulent activities that affect Filipinos and foreigners.
The suspects are currently in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration and will be subject to deportation proceedings for violating the country's immigration laws. The BI assured the public of their dedication to law enforcement and suppression of illegal activities to protect Filipinos.
