MANILA — Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives arrested a 34-year-old Chinese national in Bacolod City over alleged links to previous Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities and for overstaying his visa, the agency said.

The arrest was carried out on Aug. 6 following a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado based on information provided by government intelligence sources.

BI intelligence agents identified the suspect as Xie Yingwen, who was arrested Thursday afternoon along Yulo Street in Barangay 16, Bacolod City.

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and Bacolod City Police Station 1.

According to the BI, Xie was unable to present identification documents when approached by immigration authorities. Verification later showed that he had failed to extend his visa, making him an overstaying foreign national.

Xie reportedly told authorities that he had previously worked in Manila as a food and fruit vendor.

The BI also classified him as an undesirable alien over his alleged links to online gaming operations.

Viado said the agency’s coordination with law enforcement and intelligence agencies enables it to monitor and locate foreign nationals suspected of violating Philippine immigration laws beyond Metro Manila.

“Our operations are not merely centralized in Metro Manila,” Viado said.

“Our cooperation with local government units, local police, and the intelligence community allows us to locate and arrest illegal aliens that might be hiding in different areas of the country,” he added.

The BI said Xie was subsequently transferred to its holding facility in Bicutan, Taguig City, where he will remain while facing deportation proceedings.