BI agents nab 342 illegal aliens in QC

December 20, 2019

Operatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested 342 illegal Chinese nationals in a raid of an online gaming company Thursday night.

According to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, the arrested were caught working without proper permits and visas at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Floors of the Global Trade Center Building in Bago Bantay, Quezon City.

The 342 were reportedly working for a licensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator, which did not have the required permit to operate issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

“We sought the assistance of Pagcor in confirming their permit, and we found out that the company was duly licensed, but was not yet allowed to operate,” said Fortunato Manahan, Jr., BI Intelligence Division Chief.

Manahan shared that the company used several names, and suspected that this may be a front for other unscrupulous activities.

“We had reason to suspect that the company is a front for illegal cyber activities and investment scams,” said Manahan.  “We coordinated this operation with the Chinese government, which confirmed the company’s involvement in illegal activities, victimizing mostly their compatriots in China,” he added.

The 342 are detained in a temporary holding facility in Camp Caringal, Quezon City pending their deportation. 

Found at the site were thousands of mobile phones that the BI suspects were being used for online and phone scamming.

The Chinese government has reportedly cancelled the passports of those involved, making them undocumented aliens and tagging them as fugitives.

“This is another massive arrest by our Intelligence Division, in coordination with the Quezon City Police District-National Capital Region Police Office (QCPD-NCRPO).  This could not have been possible without their help, and we wish to thank QCPD Director Police Brigadier General Ronnnie Montejo for his support,” said Morente.

Morente warned foreigners from using the country as their base for illegal activities. 

“We will not stop until we clear our country of illegal aliens who abuse our hospitality.  Follow our laws lest face the consequences,” he warned. DMS