8 foreigners allegedly linked to POGO arrested in Muntinlupa

Eight foreigners suspected of being linked to illegal operations of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were arrested in a village in Muntinlupa City.

“Feeling ng mga foreign nationals in illegal activities na safer sila in gated communities, clandestine, but because we have vigilant neighbors there is no safe place for them anymore (“These foreign nationals thought they can carry out their illegal activities but because we have vigilant neighbors there is no safe place for them anymore”),” said Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano, as reported by GMA News Online.

Two houses were raided, arresting three Chinese suspects in the first house and four in the second. A Vietnamese national was also arrested in the second area.

Authorities are also exploring their link to the raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.

The arresting team, composed of the Department of Justice, Bureau of Immigration, and the National Bureau of Investigation, confiscated gadgets linked to scamming activities.

Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned POGOs in the Philippines, authorities have been clamping down on their operations, now rendered illegal. Foreigners linked to POGO work have also been given a grace period to wind down their operations and downgrade their visas.

Authorities prompted the raid following information and intel from concerned citizens. They are currently under NBI custody.

Read related article: Bureau of Immigration to Initiate Deportation for Non-Compliant Foreign POGO Workers