Philippines Arrests 244 Foreign Nationals in Offshore Gaming Raids

Philippine authorities have announced the arrest of 244 foreign nationals during simultaneous raids on suspected illegal offshore gaming operations on October 2. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) described the raids as the “largest POGO (Philippine offshore gaming operator) bust of 2026.”

Officers recovered around 3,000 mobile phones, 78 computer monitors, laptops, and SIM cards from the Casa de Coco Pension House compound. Authorities also seized technical devices believed to have been used for online scams.

The BI conducted the operations with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the municipalities of Siay and Alicia in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. Authorities apprehended 113 people in Siay and 131 in Alicia, mostly Chinese nationals. Their identities and nationalities remain subject to verification.

The raids were conducted to enforce the Philippines’ offshore gaming ban under Executive Order No. 74 of 2024 and the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, which prohibits offshore gaming operations and the establishment or operation of POGO sites in the Philippines.

In addition to alleged involvement in POGO-related activities, those arrested are being investigated for immigration violations, including working without appropriate visas, lacking documentation, and illegal entry. The bureau said those apprehended will undergo deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said:

The Bureau of Immigration is firmly implementing the government’s policy against illegal POGO operations. 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.

The BI is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies over possible human trafficking offenses connected to the operations.