THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested 76 foreign nationals at a suspected illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO)-related facility allegedly used for online scamming in Quezon City, the agency said on Tuesday.
In a statement, the BI said its Intelligence Division, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ National Capital Region Command, conducted the operation on Oct. 12 in Barangay Socorro, Cubao.
Initial identification showed that the group consisted of 74 Chinese nationals and two Myanmar nationals, the BI said.
BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato S. Manahan, Jr. said the foreign nationals were allegedly engaged in online scamming when operatives entered the premises.
The arrested individuals are undergoing inquest proceedings and will face deportation proceedings under Philippine immigration laws, the BI said. Those issued deportation orders will be blacklisted, barring their reentry into the country. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking