MANILA – Immigration authorities arrested some 400 illegal aliens during a large-scale raid on an alleged scam operation in Parañaque City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Thursday.
The operation on Wednesday uncovered the aliens working in activities similar to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) at a company in Barangay Tambo, BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said.
“The Bureau’s Intelligence Division, Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), and Anti-Terrorist Group (ATG) have been monitoring the activities of these individuals for some time,” Manahan said.
He said the individuals were allegedly engaged in illicit activities, including online scam operations targeting victims abroad.
“Their operations were found to be in violation of immigration laws and posed significant risks to the public,” Manahan said.
The arrested individuals are currently undergoing booking procedures and will be temporarily held by the agency while awaiting deportation proceedings.
The BI is coordinating with relevant government agencies to expedite the process and ensure that those found guilty of violations are held accountable.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the raid was part of the bureau’s intensified efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure that foreign nationals residing in the country comply with its laws.
“The order of the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) is clear. POGO workers who insist on staying in the country and violating our laws will be arrested and deported,” he said. (PNA)