Virgilio Lorenzo Jr

Nearly 400 foreigners arrested in raid on 'POGO-like' operation in Parañaque

Article (news)

Adrian Ayalin

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1736337886842viber_image_2025-01-08_19-29-36-376.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Foreign nationals arrested in a raid on a &#x27;POGO&#x27;-like operation in Parañaque City are rounded up on Jan.8, 2025. Photo courtesy: Bureau of Immigration</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration said nearly 400 foreign nationals were arrested in a large-scale raid conducted in Parañaque City on Wednesday.</p><p>BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the foreigners were working in a company located in Barangay Tambo and were conducting activities similar to those in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs.</p><p>POGOs have been banned and were supposed to have ended operations by the end of December 2024, with their workers expected to have left the country by then as well.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/1/3/philippines-searching-for-11-000-pogo-workers-up-for-deportation-0845">Philippines searching for 11,000 POGO workers ‘up for deportation’<br/></a></div><p>The BI said the foreigners were allegedly engaged in illicit activities such as online scam operations targeting victims abroad.</p><p>“Their operations were found to be in violation of immigration laws and posed significant risks to the public,” Manahan said.</p><p>Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the raid is part of the bureau&#x27;s intensified efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure that foreign nationals residing in the country comply with local laws.</p><p>“We will not tolerate any activities that endanger the safety and welfare of the public,” Viado said.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/31/paocc-government-monitoring-indicators-of-small-scale-pogo-operations-1859">PAOCC: Government monitoring &#x27;indicators&#x27; of small-scale POGO operations</a></div><p>The BI added the arrested individuals are going through booking procedures and will be in its custody while awaiting deportation proceedings.</p><p>“POGO workers who insist on staying in the country and violating our laws will be arrested and deported,” Viado said.</p>

<p>The Bureau of Immigration said almost 400 illegal aliens were arrested in a large-scale raid conducted in Parañaque City Wednesday.</p>

The Bureau of Immigration said almost 400 illegal aliens were arrested in a large-scale raid conducted in Parañaque City Wednesday.