2026-10-05

‘Largest’ Pogo bust nets 244 foreigners in Zamboanga Sibugay

National

HUNDREDS of foreign nationals were rounded up in Zamboanga Sibugay as authorities mounted twin raids against suspected illegal Pogo activities, resulting in 244 arrests in what officials called the “largest Pogo bust” yet.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Sunday, Oct. 4, that its personnel, backed by the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division and other law enforcement units, conducted the operations Friday in the coastal towns of Alicia and Siay.

In Siay, 113 foreigners were apprehended in Barangay Kimos, including 111 Chinese nationals—one from Hong Kong—and two Cambodians.

Another 131 were arrested in Barangay Tandiong Muslim in Alicia, most of them Chinese, along with citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar.

The BI Alien Registration Division is verifying their identities and immigration status.

The raids were carried out under separate mission orders issued by the BI to enforce Executive Order No. 74, series of 2024, which ordered the immediate ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), and Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-Pogo Act of 2025, which prohibits offshore gaming operations in the country.

The foreigners are being investigated for alleged immigration violations, including working without valid visas, illegal online activities, lack of proper documentation and illegal entry. The BI is also coordinating with other agencies to determine possible human trafficking violations.

“The apprehended foreign nationals will undergo appropriate deportation proceedings for their alleged violations of Philippine immigration laws. Upon the issuance of a deportation order, their names will be placed on the bureau’s blacklist, barring them from reentering the country,” the BI said, as quoted by a report from Inquirer.net.

At the Casa de Coco Pension House compound in Siay, authorities seized 78 computer monitors, around 3,000 mobile phones, laptops, thousands of SIM cards and other equipment allegedly used for illegal online operations and scamming.

The Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office provided security during the raids. Its director, Col. Barnard Danie Dasugo, said police would continue efforts to keep the province from being used for illegal activities.

A source familiar with the operation, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said some of the foreigners fled into the mangroves and mountains and had to be located and apprehended individually. Several later surrendered, the source said.

Major Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, acting commander of the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command, said the military would continue supporting legitimate law enforcement operations while respecting the rights and dignity of those involved.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.(MyTVCebu)