The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday afternoon arrested around 400 foreign nationals during a raid on an alleged fraud operation in Parañaque City.

It was conducted by the BI Intelligence Division, Fugitive Search Unit and Anti-Terrorist Group, targeted a company in Barangay Tambo where foreign nationals were allegedly involved in POGO-like activities, specifically online scams targeting victims overseas.

According to BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., they have been monitoring the activities of the foreign nationals and discovered that they violated immigration laws.

Meantime, BI commissioner Atty. Joel Viado stressed the significance of the operation.

“This raid is part of our intensified efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure that foreign nationals residing in the country comply with our laws. Any activity that jeopardizes public safety and welfare will not be tolerated,” Viado said.

The arrested individuals are currently undergoing booking procedures and will be held by the BI while they await deportation proceedings while the agency is coordinating with other government agencies to expedite the process and ensure that those found guilty of violations are held accountable.

Meantime, the BI reported Wednesday that two Chinese nationals were arrested by immigration officials at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) when they attempted to depart the country using forged immigration documents.

Viado said that the two Chinese were intercepted at the NAIA Terminal 1 Departure Area last Sunday before they could board their flight via Philippine Airlines bound for Bangkok, Thailand.

The two arrested Chinese were identified as Su Zhengkun and Wang Dingku, who are currently detained at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending their deportation proceedings.

According to Viado, the Chinese passengers were denied departure and arrested after it was discovered that they had entered the country with counterfeit visas.