Philippine Authorities Arrest 244 Foreigners in Zamboanga Sibugay POGO Raid
Philippine law enforcement arrested 244 foreign nationals during simultaneous raids on October 2, 2026, in Zamboanga Sibugay, marking the largest crackdown on illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) this year. The operations targeted clandestine hubs in the municipalities of Siay and Alicia, where authorities seized thousands of mobile phones and computers used for organized online scam operations, according to the Bureau of Immigration.
Simultaneous Raids in Siay and Alicia
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that the operations took place in Barangay Kimos of Siay town and Barangay Tandiong Muslim of Alicia town. In Siay, agents apprehended 113 foreigners, including 110 Chinese citizens, two Cambodians, and one Hong Kong resident, according to Rappler. A second site in Alicia resulted in 131 arrests; while the majority were Chinese, the group also included citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
The raids were a joint effort involving the BI Intelligence Division, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Police Regional Office 9, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Specifically, the 102nd Brigade of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division provided security support, as reported by Philstar.com and Tribune.net.ph.
Authorities Seize Thousands of Devices Used for Fraud
Authorities confiscated a massive volume of electronic hardware used to facilitate online fraud. In the Siay operation alone, the BI seized 78 computer monitors, laptops, cellular SIM cards, and approximately 3,000 mobile phones, according to Rappler. Tribune.net.ph noted that the total volume of recovered devices across both sites included an estimated 2,000 mobile phones and numerous laptops.
Republic Act 12312 Prohibits Offshore Gaming Operations
The crackdown follows a total ban on POGOs ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his third State of the Nation Address in 2024. This was later codified in October 2025 through Republic Act No. 12312, the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, which prohibits the establishment and operation of offshore gaming sites in the Philippines, according to Rappler.
The Philippine government banned these operations because criminal syndicates used them as fronts for money laundering, kidnapping, fraud, murder, and human trafficking. A 2023 United Nations report highlighted a broader regional crisis, estimating that 120,000 people in Myanmar and 100,000 in Cambodia were trapped in similar scam operations.
Immigration Chief Orders Deportation for Visa Violations
Immigration chief Joel Viado stated that the agency is firmly implementing government policy to ensure the Philippines is not used as a base for illegal activities. Those arrested are currently being investigated for immigration violations, such as illegal entry or working without a valid visa. Those found in violation will face deportation proceedings and be blacklisted from re-entering the country, according to the BI.
The Chinese embassy in Manila is coordinating with Philippine law enforcement regarding the details of the case. Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng told the AFP news agency that Chinese law prohibits its nationals from gambling overseas or working for gambling companies.
Zamboanga Sibugay Operation Details
| Location | Arrests | Primary Nationalities | Key Seizures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siay (Brgy. Kimos) | 113 | Chinese, Cambodian, Hong Kong | ~3,000 mobile phones, 78 monitors, laptops |
| Alicia (Brgy. Tandiong Muslim) | 131 | Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Burmese | Computers, laptops, SIM cards |
Common Questions About POGO Crackdowns
Why are POGOs banned in the Philippines?
The government banned POGOs because they frequently served as covers for transnational organized crime, including human trafficking and online fraud. President Marcos Jr. initiated the ban in 2024 to stop these hubs from facilitating money laundering and violent crimes like kidnapping.
What happens to the foreign nationals arrested in these raids?
Individuals are investigated for immigration violations and potential trafficking offenses. Those not facing criminal charges for trafficking will undergo deportation proceedings and be placed on the Bureau of Immigration’s blacklist.
Are these operations only happening in the Philippines?
A UN report identified similar criminal-owned enterprises in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, where victims are often coerced into promoting fake cryptocurrency investments.
Major General Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., Commander of Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN, stated that the operation was conducted under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 and the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.
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