Philippines arrests 244 ‘mostly Chinese’ workers in online scam crackdown
The government is investigating possible human trafficking-related offences by a number of those arrested, while the rest will be deported.
Manila, Philippines - The Philippine immigration bureau announced the arrest of over 244 foreign workers in its largest crackdown on illegal online gaming operators this year. The majority of those detained were Chinese nationals, with smaller numbers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
According to the bureau, the military and other law enforcement agencies conducted raids in Mindanao, arresting 110 Chinese nationals, two Cambodians, and a Hong Kong resident at one location. At a second site, 131 foreigners were apprehended, primarily Chinese with additional citizens from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
The authorities seized a large quantity of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards during the operations. The government is currently investigating potential human trafficking-related offenses among the detainees, while the rest will be deported.
Immigration chief Joel Viado stated that the raids marked the largest POGO bust of 2026 and emphasized that the Philippines will not be used as a base for illegal activities. The Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to comment on the matter.
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