BI nabs nearly 400 foreigners in Parañaque scam bust

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended nearly 400 foreign nationals during a large-scale raid on Wednesday afternoon targeting an alleged scam operation in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

According to Fortunato Manahan Jr., chief of the BI Intelligence Division, the operation uncovered foreign individuals engaged in activities resembling Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs). These included online scams targeting overseas victims.

"The activities of these individuals have been monitored closely by the Bureau's Intelligence Division (BIID), Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU), and Anti-Terrorist Group (BI-ATG). It was discovered that their activities violated immigration laws and placed the public at serious risk," Manahan said.

BI Commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony Viado underscored the importance of the operation, stating, "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. Anything that puts the public's safety and welfare at jeopardy will not be allowed."

The apprehended individuals are currently undergoing booking procedures and are in BI custody while awaiting deportation proceedings. The BI is collaborating with other government agencies to expedite the process and hold violators accountable.

The BI also issued a strong warning to POGO employees refusing to leave the country or comply with regulations, emphasizing that they risk arrest and deportation.