MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested nine foreign nationals allegedly involved in illegal online gambling during an enforcement operation at a condominium complex in Pasay City.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the operation was conducted on July 22 by agents of the Bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) in coordination with the Southern Manila District Field Unit of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the CIDG Regional Field Unit–National Capital Region.

Citing a report from FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, Viado said immigration operatives raided three condominium units along Sunrise Drive in Barangay 76 after receiving intelligence information from Chinese authorities regarding a Chinese national allegedly operating a residential-based illegal online gambling hub.

During the operation, authorities found nine foreign nationals allegedly engaged in illegal online gambling activities inside the condominium units.

Those arrested included eight Chinese nationals in their late 20s to early 30s and a 33-year-old Vietnamese national.

Initial verification by the BI showed that one of the Chinese nationals had overstayed after the expiration of his visa, while four others had no recorded arrival in the bureau’s database, indicating they may have entered the country illegally.

The BI also said all nine individuals failed to present valid passports or immigration documents when requested by operatives.

“The Bureau remains relentless in identifying and removing foreign nationals who violate our immigration laws and exploit the country for unlawful activities. Through intelligence-driven operations and close coordination with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to protect the integrity of our borders and ensure that those who abuse our hospitality are held accountable,” Viado said.

The arrested foreign nationals are currently detained at the BI Warden Facility while deportation proceedings for alleged violations of Philippine immigration laws are underway.