BI warns vs. unsolicited messages, easy-money schemes after Zamboanga POGO bust

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The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday warned the public against responding to unsolicited messages and calls, as well as offers promoting easy-money schemes, following Sunday's arrest of foreign nationals allegedly linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in Zamboanga Sibugay, Mindanao.

“Mag-iingat po tayo sa mga unsolicited messages, calls at tsaka mga online offers dahil dito po kumikita yung mga online scamming activities, lalong-lalo na po yung mga, for example, itong nahuli natin,” BI spokesperson Atty. Anisha Hadji Hassan said on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

(Let us be cautious about unsolicited messages, calls and online offers because these are used by online scammers to make money, particularly in operations like the one we recently busted.)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned POGOs in 2024, citing their use by organized crime groups as fronts for human trafficking, money laundering, online scams, kidnapping and murder.

On Sunday, the BI reported the arrest of 244 “mostly Chinese” foreign POGO workers during raids conducted by Philippine authorities in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The agency described the operation as “the largest POGO bust of 2026.”

The BI urged the public to exercise extreme caution and vigilance when dealing with online requests for money, one-time passwords (OTPs), personal identification numbers (PINs) or bank details.

“Of course, mag-isip-isip rin po tayo at medyo mas maging mapanuri kapag po may mga pinapangakong mga guaranteed investment returns, mga madadaling pagkakakitaan at mabibilis na tubo,” Hassan added.

(We should also think twice and be more discerning when we are promised guaranteed investment returns, easy ways to make money and quick profits.)

The agency advised the public to report suspicious online activities, particularly those involving foreigners, to the BI or local law enforcement authorities.

Violations

According to the BI, the National Bureau of Investigation will determine whether criminal charges should be filed against the arrested individuals.

The BI, however, said it has already identified several possible violations within its jurisdiction.

“For example, under Commonwealth Act 613, or the Philippine Immigration Act, violating the terms and conditions of their admission to the Philippines may be grounds for a finding of undesirability, as may involvement in illegal POGO-related activities or being undocumented,” Hassan explained.

She added that the BI is also examining other deportable offenses that may have been committed by the apprehended individuals.

Hassan said the agency is currently validating and verifying the identities of the foreign nationals by cross-checking their biometric records as part of the inquest proceedings.

Once this process is completed, the BI will proceed with the deportation of those found to be deportable, she said.

The BI noted that deported individuals will be placed on the agency’s blacklist and barred from re-entering the Philippines.— MCG, GMA News

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