Mindanao Zamboanga Sibugay Scam Base Raided — About 200 Chinese Nationals Caught, Over 2,000 Cell Phones Seized

📌 In the early morning of October 2, the military, NBI, and Bureau of Immigration simultaneously raided two suspected online scam bases in Alicia and Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay province, Mindanao, arresting around 180 to 200 Chinese nationals.
About 2,000 mobile phones and computers were seized, and authorities are also checking whether human trafficking victims are mixed among them.

■ Raid Details
· Joint operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Army 102nd Infantry Brigade, and Police Regional Office 9 in the early morning of Friday, October 2
· Around 100 people in Alicia and about 80 in Siay, mostly Chinese nationals. Total headcount varies by news report from about 180 to 200
· Investigations showed that operations in Alicia were being conducted inside makeshift tents
· Around 2,000 mobile phones (one outlet reported over 200) along with laptops and desktops were seized. Reports also noted that the confiscated devices contained scripts for romance and investment scams (Abante)
· The operation was triggered by tips from residents and local officials, and some media outlets also reported it as an illegal online gambling syndicate

■ Investigation and Current Status
· NBI and BI are checking the immigration status and situations of each individual. They are also investigating whether there are human trafficking victims who suffered forced labor, illegal recruitment, or movement restrictions
· The military stated, "Merely being at the scene does not prove individual participation in the crime," adding that victims will be protected and those responsible will be punished according to the law
· The number of people to be charged and those to be classified as victims has not yet been announced

■ Notes for Expats and Travelers
· If someone you met on social media or a dating app encourages you to invest or buy crypto, it could be a message sent by such syndicates using scripts. Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
· For overseas job offers like "high-paying IT or customer service jobs in the Philippines," be sure to verify the company's legitimacy and work location. As seen in this case, you might end up working in a tent in a remote rural area.
· Suspicious investment or romance scam contacts can be reported to Philippine cybercrime reporting agencies or the police (911), or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Call Center in Korea (+82-2-3210-0404).

■ Sources
Manila Times (10/2, 10/3), Philstar (10/2), DZRH (10/2), Abante TNT (10/2), Astig.ph (10/2)

■ Photos
Cell phone stands found at the tent base (Provided by Army JTF Zampelan, Manila Times)
NBI agents during the raid and people lying face down (Provided by the Army, Manila Times)
Computer workstations at the raid site (Provided by the Army, DZRH)