BI, NBI arrest 49 POGO workers in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 49 foreigners engaged in Philippine offshore and gaming operator (POGO) online scamming operations.

In a statement, the BI said agents raided a commercial building along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City late Friday and found the foreigners working for a fraudulent online scam hub that operates under the guise of a legitimate digital services and online marketing company.

The foreigners, including two that have active derogatory records, were working without appropriate visas.

Investigators identified them as a 29-year-old Bangladeshi involved in illegal recruitment activities and a 25-year-old Pakistani, who is included in a BI alert list order for suspected financial fraud.

“This successful operation is a testament to the strong collaboration between the BI and NBI. We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the country from illegal foreign operations that undermine our laws and exploit our people,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

“We will continue to intensify our enforcement operations to protect national security and uphold the integrity of our immigration policies,” he added.