76 foreigners nabbed in POGO hub raid

MANILA, Philippines —  Joint operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) apprehended 76 foreign nationals during a raid on a facility suspected of being linked to Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday night. Arrested during the operation were 74 Chinese and two Myanmar nationals allegedly involved in online scams.

Armed with a mission order, personnel of the BI-Intelligence Division and the AFP raided the POGO hub in Barangay Socorro.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the foreigners were engaged in online scamming activities when authorities entered the premises.

The operation was conducted in line with President Marcos’ directive to end illegal POGOs.

Those arrested are facing charges for violating Republic Act 12312, the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, and the country’s immigration laws.

Viado reiterated the BI’s commitment to combat illegal POGOs and other unlawful activities involving foreign nationals.

The apprehended foreigners will face deportation proceedings and will be blacklisted.