ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 5) — AUTHORITIES apprehended 244 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, in simultaneous raids on suspected illegal POGO-related operations in Zamboanga Sibugay on Friday, October 2, as investigators examine possible immigration violations and human trafficking links.
The raids were carried out before dawn in Barangay Kimos, Siay, and Barangay Tandiong Muslim, Alicia, by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Initial reports on Friday put the number of foreigners processed at around 200. The BI later clarified that 244 foreign nationals had been apprehended—113 in Siay and 131 in Alicia.
In Siay, those apprehended included 110 Chinese nationals, two Cambodians and one Hong Kong national. The 131 taken in Alicia were mostly Chinese, with nationals from Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar also among them. Their identities and nationalities remain subject to verification.
The foreign nationals are being investigated for possible immigration violations, including working without proper visas, undocumented status, illegal entry and alleged involvement in illegal POGO-related online activities.
Authorities also recovered 78 computer monitors, about 3,000 mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards and other equipment believed to have been used in online scam operations.
At the same time, authorities are checking whether some of those apprehended may have been victims of human trafficking or exploitation rather than participants in the alleged illegal operations.
The distinction is crucial as investigators document each person’s immigration status, role and circumstances before deciding what legal action, if any, should follow.
The BI said those found to have committed immigration violations will face appropriate proceedings, while possible trafficking offenses will be referred for further investigation.
