SITUATED in Barangay Kimos of Siay Town and Barangay Tandiong Muslin of Alicia Town, Zambuanga Sibugay, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Intelligence Division and Mindanao unit, together with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), apprehended at least 244 foreign nationals on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) last Oct. 4, marking the biggest yet for 2026.

Official Investigation

The BI identified those apprehended as mostly Chinese, along with Cambodians, Hong Kongers, Malaysians, Indonesians, and Burmese, provided that the identities are still subject to verification.

Of the 244 foreign nationals, 51 of them were known to have been flown to Manila, making them potential victims of human trafficking.

Those apprehended are under investigation for alleged immigration violations, namely, illegal entry and working without an authorized work visa, citing their alleged participation in POGO-related activities online.

The authorities confiscated about 78 laptops, cellular SIM cards, and computer monitors, as well as an estimated 3,000 mobile phones which are believed to have been utilized in an organized online scam operation.

Following the investigation, the apprehended foreigners will go through deportation proceedings for allegedly violating Philippine immigration law under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, due to their lack of proper documentation or illegally entering the country. After the issuance of a formal deportation order, the names of the foreign nationals will be placed on the BI's blacklist, making them permanently banned from re-entering the Philippines.

BI Commissioner Joel Viado, currently heading the investigation, mentioned that the agency is firmly carrying out the government’s policy. “We will continue to enforce our immigration laws against foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their stay and ensure that the Philippines is not used as a base for illegal activities.” 

The said operation is a component of the Marcos administration’s continuing apprehension of POGO activities as promised and ordered during his Third State of  the Nation address (SONA) in 2024. In 2025, he signed the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, prohibiting the operations and establishment of POGO within the country.

Despite the order, POGO operations have continued to occur. In recent years, the proper authorities have been carrying out raids and arrests in different regions, targeting suspected illegal POGO activities.

Probing into the illegal operations

Ardin Musa, Mayor of Alicia, released a statement last Sept. 10 declaring that the municipal government does not condone the existence of the POGO operations situated within its administrative jurisdiction, emphasizing that economic growth shall not be sought in exchange for public safety and moral integrity.

“While our municipality remains committed to promoting economic growth, responsible business development, and employment opportunities, we firmly believe that economic activity must never come at the expense of the peace, safety, dignity, and moral integrity of our community,”  he said.

Musa further directed the local authorities, Business and Licensing Office (BPLO), and barangay leaders to administer an immediate investigation into local operations that have been connected with the illegal activities.

“We will not allow activities that threaten our peace and security or expose our people—especially our children and vulnerable sectors—to risks of exploitation, criminality, and disorder. Your safety is non-negotiable,” he added, urging the residents to report any unusual activity to barangay officials or proper authorities.