Quezon City, Cubao: Raid on Suspected Illegal POGO Facility…

Quezon City, Cubao: Raid on Suspected Illegal POGO Facility — 76 Foreigners Arrested

📌 On Monday, October 12, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) raided a suspected facility linked to an illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) in Barangay Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila, and arrested 76 foreign nationals. The BI said the facility is suspected of being used for online scams, and described it as the second large-scale crackdown within two weeks.

■ Background of the Operation
· The BI Intelligence Division (BI-ID), through its Special Response Team (ID-SRT) and the 4th Regional Intelligence Operations Unit (RIOU), carried out the operation jointly with the National Capital Region Command of the Philippine Army, under a duly issued mission order.
· Initial identity verification showed 74 Chinese nationals and 2 Myanmar nationals.
· BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato S. Manahan Jr. reported to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado that, when officers entered the premises, the individuals appeared to be engaged in online scamming.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The arrested foreign nationals are undergoing inquest proceedings (summary preliminary investigation) and will be subject to deportation proceedings under immigration law. Charges are at the stage of announcement by the BI.
· If deportation orders are issued, they will be placed on the BI blacklist and barred from re-entering the Philippines.
· The crackdown is in line with President Marcos's directive to eradicate illegal POGOs and the Anti-POGO Act (Republic Act No. 12312, 2025). Commissioner Viado said, "We will continue the crackdown on illegal POGOs."

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· Job offers promising free lodging or high pay may be recruitment for scam operations. Verify the company's legitimacy and whether a work permit has been issued before accepting.
· Foreigners who work in violation of their visa status if caught in a crackdown may face deportation and a re-entry ban.

■ Source
Bureau of Immigration (10/13), Daily Tribune (10/13)

■ Photos
· Immigration crackdown scene — foreign nationals standing in front of a wall — Bureau of Immigration