The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Immigration authorities apprehended approximately 400 illegal aliens during a large-scale raid on an alleged scam operation in Parañaque City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Thursday.
The raid, conducted on Wednesday, targeted a company in Barangay Tambo suspected of operating activities similar to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), according to BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr.
“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 stated. He revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in illicit online scams targeting victims overseas.
“Their operations were found to be in violation of immigration laws and posed significant risks to the public,” Manahan added.
The arrested individuals are currently undergoing booking procedures and are temporarily detained by the BI pending deportation proceedings. The bureau is coordinating with other government agencies to expedite the legal process and ensure accountability for those found guilty of violations.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that the operation is part of the agency’s intensified campaign against illegal activities and its commitment to enforcing immigration laws among foreign nationals residing in the Philippines.
“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,” Viado stated.