Bureau of Immigration (BI) and police operatives arrested Thursday night 342 illegal aliens working in an online gaming company in Bago Bantay, Quezon City.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the foreigners, all Chinese, were caught inside the Global Trade Center Building without proper work permits and visas.
The BI chief said the online gaming firm has a license as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) but no permit yet to operate from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. said the company used several names, and the Chinese government confirmed their suspicion that it was engaged in cyber and investment scams victimizing their compatriots in China.
Found at the site were thousands of mobile phones that were being used for online and phone scamming.
Manahan said the Chinese government has cancelled the passports of these aliens, tagging them as undocumented and fugitives.
“This is another massive arrest by our intelligence people and the Quezon City police,” said Morente.
Morente warned foreign nationals from using the country as base for illegal activities, adding “we will not stop until we clear our country of illegal aliens who abuse our hospitality.”
Those arrested are currently detained at the police headquarters in Camp Caringal, Quezon City pending their deportation. (Jun Ramirez)