An operation at an alleged scam hub in Zamboanga Sibugay. Handout/1st Infantry 'Tabak' Division
MANILA — The 244 foreign nationals arrested in the alleged scam hubs in Zamboanga Sibugay are detained and will undergo deportation proceedings, the Bureau of Immigration said on Sunday.
BI spokesperson Anisha Hassan said they are being detained at one of the raided properties while authorities verify their identities.
“They will undergo the legal process, i-inquest po sila and then the deportation proceedings will commence,” she added.
200 foreigners intercepted in alleged Zamboanga Sibugay scam hub
BI added that most of the arrested individuals Chinese nationals. The National Bureau of Investigation is looking into whether they are victims of illegal recruitment,
“We are still looking into whether some other kinds of violations po have been committed by the people arrested," Hassan, a lawyer, added.
Authorities confiscated 3,000 mobile phones, computers, and SIM cards In the anti-scamming raid conducted by the BI and the NBI in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
BI also said they are in the process of strengthening their efforts against illegal operations particularly Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, which are now “operating in small groups ...because they know they will be sought after.”
Part of the Bureau of Immigration’s strengthened security measures is the implementation of the Advanced Passenger Information system, which the bureau described as the country’s “first line of defense.”
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BI Advance Passenger Information System Operations Center Chief Melvin Mabulac said the passenger manifests for flights into the Philippines are sent to the system.
"Kaya once ang kanilang pangalan ay nasa alert ng Interpol, nagkakaroon tayo ng advanced vetting, nalalaman natin," he said.
(Once there is an Interpol notice for them, we have advanced vetting. We know they are coming.)
Mabulac said the API system not only helps screen passengers, but also supports ongoing investigations involving certain foreign nationals by allowing authorities to trace their previous travels and identify possible companions.
The BI said nearly 100% of flights entering the country are now covered by the system.
The bureau also plans to expand the use of e-gates beyond the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to major airports in Clark, Cebu, and Davao.
International concern has grown in recent years over similar scam operations in other Asian nations that are often staffed by trafficking victims tricked or coerced into promoting bogus cryptocurrency investments and other cons.
"We will continue to enforce our immigration laws against foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their stay and ensure that the Philippines is not used as a base for illegal activities," immigration chief Joel Viado said in the statement.
He described the raids as "the largest POGO bust of 2026".
"We are reaching out to the Philippine law enforcement agencies on the details of this case," Chinese embassy spokesman Ji Lingpeng told AFP.
"Chinese law prohibits any form of gambling including Chinese nationals gambling overseas or working for gambling companies," he added.
— with a report from Agence France-Presse
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