32 POGO workers arrested in latest Philippine raid

Jenny Ortiz January 20, 2025

SiGMA news

Authorities in the Philippines arrested 32 foreign nationals allegedly involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities during a raid in Parañaque City. The joint operation by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) targeted a building in Aseana City, where individuals were reportedly engaged in online gaming and scam-related operations.

Those arrested included 20 Chinese, 11 Malaysians, and one Cambodian. The BI revealed that the suspects were involved in fraudulent schemes, including romance scams. The detained individuals remain in the custody of the NBI while undergoing deportation proceedings initiated by the BI.

Warning to illegal operators issued

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasised the agency’s commitment to cracking down on illegal operations by the nationwide ban on POGOs issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July 2024. Viado reiterated that law enforcement would continue targeting foreign nationals and defying immigration and operational laws. He assured the public that more arrests and deportations would follow.

“Let this be a warning to foreign nationals who blatantly continue illegal operations despite the ban of the President. We will not stop until all illegal aliens are arrested and deported,” Viado warned.

The crackdown aligns with the government’s efforts to eliminate POGO activities linked to criminal activities, including human trafficking and financial fraud.

Consequences for harbouring illegal workers

Last week, the BI has also announced that individuals and companies sheltering illegal POGO workers could face criminal charges. The agency cited Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which penalises those who harbour foreign nationals without proper documentation or legal status. The BI underscored the gravity of harbouring undocumented individuals, urging compliance with immigration laws to protect national security and public order. The agency has encouraged the public to report violations, assuring confidentiality in handling such reports.

The government’s campaign against POGOs is supported by an inter-agency task force that includes the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE). This task force oversees the closure of POGO operations and facilitates the orderly deportation of displaced foreign workers.

Upholding immigration laws

The government’s actions reflect a strict stance on enforcing immigration laws and addressing illegal POGO operations. Authorities have stressed that these measures aim to ensure the integrity of the immigration system while addressing the risks posed by unlawful foreign activities. The detained individuals are undergoing booking and deportation procedures, with authorities working to expedite their removal.

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