By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Four Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in cyber fraud activities were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation targeting suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related activities in Muntinlupa City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Tuesday.
In a statement, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the foreigners caught in the act of engaging in cyber fraud were identified as Qiao Zhong, 30, an undocumented foreign national; Tang Ke, 31, an overstaying foreign national without a proper visa; Liu Peng, 35, an overstaying foreign national; and Zhang Caiyu, 42, an overstaying foreign national with an existing blacklist order and identified as a former POGO worker.
According to the report of BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) Chief Rendel Sy, the Sept. 4, 2026 operation stemmed from intelligence monitoring conducted by the bureau on reports of alleged continuing POGO-related operations at Montillano Street, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Acting on the information, the BI chief issued Mission Order No. 2026-321 on Sept. 3 directing the FSU to verify and take appropriate action on the reported illegal activities.
“The Bureau of Immigration will remain relentless in enforcing our immigration laws and in supporting the government’s policy to shut down illegal POGO operations. We will continue to use intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend foreign nationals who violate Philippine laws,” he said.
At the same time, the Commissioner likewise appealed to the public to immediately report any information or observations involving foreign nationals suspected of engaging in illegal activities in the country.
Reports may be made through the BI hotline at (+632) 8-465-2400, or through email at [email protected] and [email protected]. (PNA)
