By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday reported the arrest of 31 foreign nationals, most of them Chinese, suspected of engaging in online scam operations following a raid in Makati City earlier this week.
In a statement, BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the raid took place Monday evening on the 11th floor of a commercial building along Ayala Avenue.
He said operatives discovered dozens of foreigners manning computer workstations allegedly used for fraudulent activities targeting individuals abroad.
To hide its illegal operations in the building, the company allegedly displayed the name of a popular insurance firm on its entrance.
Of the arrested foreign nationals, 24 were Chinese, two were Taiwanese, three were Malaysian, and two were from Myanmar. All were found to be working without the necessary permits in violation of the conditions of their stay, and have been tagged as undesirable.
The suspects are now detained at the Bureau’s Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending investigation and deportation proceedings.
The BI said the operation is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard national security and protect the country from becoming a base of operations for international cybercrime syndicates.
Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said these arrests send a strong signal to criminal elements that the Philippines will not be used as a safe haven for foreign-led cybercrime operations.
“This operation reflects our firm commitment to Marcos’ directive to secure our borders and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
“Foreign nationals who exploit our systems, abuse our hospitality, and engage in illegal acts will be dealt with decisively.” (PNA)
