Muntinlupa city: Four Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in cyber fraud activities were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation targeting suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related activities in Muntinlupa City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that the foreigners caught in the act of engaging in cyber fraud were identified as Qiao Zhong, 30, an undocumented foreign national; Tang Ke, 31, an overstaying foreign national without a proper visa; Liu Peng, 35, an overstaying foreign national; and Zhang Caiyu, 42, an overstaying foreign national with an existing blacklist order and identified as a former POGO worker.

The report from BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) Chief Rendel Sy detailed that the operation on September 4, 2026, stemmed from intelligence monitoring conducted by the bureau on reports of alleged continuing POGO-related operations at Montillano Street, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Acting on the information, the BI chief issued Mission Order No. 2026-321 on September 3, directing the FSU to verify and take appropriate action on the reported illegal activities.

Commissioner Viado emphasized that the Bureau of Immigration will continue to enforce immigration laws and support the government's policy to shut down illegal POGO operations. He stressed the importance of intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend foreign nationals who violate Philippine laws.

Additionally, the Commissioner appealed to the public to immediately report any information or observations involving foreign nationals suspected of engaging in illegal activities in the country.