Philippine authorities have arrested 244 foreign nationals at two sites suspected of involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities in Zamboanga Sibugay. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) described this as its largest POGO crackdown of 2026.
The simultaneous operations took place on October 2 in Siay and Alicia. The BI conducted the raids with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This was part of the government’s continuing enforcement of the POGO ban.
244 Foreign Nationals Apprehended
Authorities arrested 113 foreign nationals in Siay and another 131 in Alicia. Most were Chinese nationals, although the BI said the identities and nationalities of those arrested remain subject to verification.
In Siay, authorities identified 110 Chinese nationals, two Cambodians and one Hong Kong national among the 113 people apprehended. The Alicia operation involved 131 foreign nationals, including people from China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar.
The BI is investigating alleged immigration violations, including working without the appropriate visa, undocumented status and illegal entry. Authorities are also examining possible involvement in illegal POGO-related online activities.
Authorities Seize Online Operations Equipment
At the Casa de Coco Pension House compound, investigators recovered approximately 3,000 mobile phones, 78 computer monitors, laptops and SIM cards.
The BI said some of the equipment appeared to have been used in online scam operations. This indicates that authorities are also examining potential links between the sites and other illegal online activities.
The authorities are separately investigating possible human trafficking violations connected to the operations. No trafficking offence has been established at this stage.
POGO Enforcement Continues
The raids form part of the Philippines’ ongoing enforcement of Executive Order No. 74, issued in 2024. This order banned POGO operations immediately. In addition, Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, prohibits offshore gaming operations and POGO sites in the country.
The 244 foreign nationals will undergo deportation proceedings for alleged immigration violations. If deportation orders are issued, the BI said the individuals will be placed on its blacklist. They will be barred from re-entering the Philippines.
The operation highlights the continued enforcement pressure on offshore gaming activities. This happens more than two years after the government announced the nationwide POGO ban.
