MANILA, Philippines — Over 32 foreign nationals who were found to be working in clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) were arrested in Parañaque City over the weekend, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.

In a report, the BI said that the foreign nationals were allegedly working in online gaming and scamming operations in the Aseana enclave in Parañaque City on the eve of January 17.

Of the 32 foreign nationals arrested in the building, 20 were Chinese, 11 were Malaysians, and one was from Cambodia.

These suspects were monitored to be operating other illegal activities in the building including love scams.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has warned foreign nationals working for POGO hubs discreetly that they will be arrested and deported should they continue to operate despite the government ban.

“Let this be a warning to foreign nationals who blatantly continue illegal operations despite the ban of the President,” said Viado.  

“We will not stop until all illegal aliens are arrested and deported,” he said.

The 32 foreigners will remain under the physical custody of the National Bureau of Investigation while undergoing deportation proceedings with the BI.

The immigration bureau likewise said that even though several foreign nationals voluntarily surrendered during the December 31 deadline, it is expecting that a string of operations against POGO hubs working secretly will continue following the ban.