Four Chinese nationals arrested in cyber fraud activities in Muntinlupa City

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested four Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in cyber fraud activities during an intelligence-driven operation targeting suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related activities in Muntinlupa City on September 4, 2026.

The operation is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to put an end to the operations of all POGOs in the country and to strengthen the government’s efforts against illegal activities involving foreign nationals.

The operation stemmed from intelligence monitoring conducted by the BI on reports of alleged continuing POGO-related operations at Montillano Street, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Acting on the information, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado issued Mission Order No. 2026-321 dated September 3, 2026, directing the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) to verify and take appropriate action on the reported illegal activities.

According to the report of FSU Chief Rendel Sy, the four Chinese nationals were caught in flagrante delicto allegedly engaged in cyber fraud activities. They 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.

Commissioner Viado lauded the FSU personnel for their prompt action and continued vigilance in pursuing foreign nationals involved in illegal activities.

“The Bureau of Immigration will remain relentless in enforcing our immigration laws and in supporting the government’s policy to shut down illegal POGO operations. We will continue to use intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend foreign nationals who violate Philippine laws,” Viado said.

The BI chief likewise appealed to the public to immediately report any information or observations involving foreign nationals suspected of engaging in illegal activities in the country.

Reports may be made through the BI hotline at (+632) 8-465-2400, or through email at immigPH@immigration.gov.ph and xinfo@immigration.gov.ph.

The BI emphasized that information from the public remains vital in helping authorities identify and address illegal activities involving foreign nationals and in maintaining the integrity of the country’s immigration and border security system.