MANILA368 Official

INQUIRER file photo / ALEXIS CORPUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Some 400 illegal aliens involved in scam operations were arrested on Wednesday in a raid conducted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on a company in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

Immigration Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the aliens were found to be engaged in illegal activities similar to those being done by Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), including online scam operations targeting victims abroad.

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“The Bureau’s Intelligence Division, Fugitive Search Unit and Anti-Terrorist Group have been monitoring the activities of these individuals for some time,” Manahan added.

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“Their operations were found to be in violation of immigration laws and posed significant risks to the public,” he said.

Those arrested are currently undergoing booking procedures and will remain in the bureau’s custody while awaiting deportation proceedings.

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The BI said it was coordinating with government agencies concerned to speed up the process and ensure that those found guilty of violations would be held accountable.

Also known as AG&P Industrial, the company is the construction and manufacturing arm of diversified firm AG&P International Holdings Pte. Ltd., which is based in Singapore.

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For Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the raid was part of the bureau’s intensified efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure that foreign nationals in the country comply with its laws.

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At the same time, he warned companies and individuals harboring illegal Pogo workers, saying the BI would not hesitate to file charges against them.

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“Harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense, and we will pursue violators with the utmost resolve,” Viado said in a statement.

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The BI earlier announced the impending deportation of over 11,000 former Pogo workers who failed to leave the country before the Dec. 31, 2024 deadline.

In line with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who, in July, banned all Pogos. The licenses of these companies were revoked, making the continued stay of their workers in the Philippines illegal.

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“This is not just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding the integrity of our immigration system and ensuring that only those with legitimate purposes are allowed to stay in the country100royal,” Viado said.

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