immigration – Page 15 – Author Carlo Carrasco

NBI agents arrest 12 Chinese nationals in Parañaque City for alleged scamming and immigration violations, 5 locals arrested for bribery attempt at NBI office

January 23, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended twelve Chinese nationals and five locals for alleged scamming operations and an attempt of bribery, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of PNA. Some parts in boldface…

Twelve Chinese nationals and five Filipinos were arrested for alleged scamming operations and attempted bribery, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) bared Tuesday.

The foreigners were arrested in an operation on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Rance Corporate Center Aseana City in Tambo, Paranaque City for alleged violation of the Philippine Immigration Act.

During the operation, NBI personnel found “romance or love scam scripts, messaging applications with fictitious accounts, bank accounts, and fraudulent cryptocurrency scams, and fake investment schemes.”

The discovery resulted in the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals namely: Xu Chao, Meng Wei Shi, Xing Chao, Qin Hai Feng, Li Xiang Hua, Zhang Wei, Wang Qin Xiang, Wang Jia Fa, Jiang Qi Long, Luo Shang Fen, Qixin Wang, and Chen Jiang Song.

The NBI said while the operatives were preparing to return to headquarters with the arrested subjects, a certain Ezechiel Bernales volunteered to come with them, claiming that he is the suspects’ official interpreter.

Bernales allegedly told the NBI operatives that Wang Qin Xiang and Qixin Wang were offering to pay PHP300,000 for the release of each arrested individual or a total of PHP3,600,000.

An entrapment operation was then conducted at the parking lot of the NBI office in Pasay City on Jan. 10 resulting in the arrest of Bernales and four others, namely: Robustiano Hizon, John Abunda Villanueva, Kristoffer Habelito Baguna, and Hanif Bautil.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could still be a lot more Chinese nationals secretly conducting scam operations? Who do you think could be the mastermind behind the bribery attempt? Are you thankful that the NBI arrested the suspects?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Local authorities raid illegal operation inside Cavite resort, 29 foreigners arrested

January 22, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, a team of law enforcers raided an illegal operation inside a Cavite resort and arrested twenty-nine foreign nationals – most of them from China – according to a GMA Network news report. It has been confirmed that there are still several thousands of foreign POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) workers in the country and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public that harboring them is a crime and it will lead to prosecution under the Philippine Immigration Act.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

Despite the nationwide ban of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), 29 foreigners, including the alleged Chinese boss, were arrested after authorities raided a guerilla operation inside a resort in Silang, Cavite.

According to John Consulta’s report in 24 Oras on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) first discovered the illegal operation of the POGO and shared the information with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

“Mayroong confidential informant na nagpunta sa office, na sinabi niya na may kakaibang nangyayari na doon sa resort, may mga nagda-drop na mga Chinese,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel J Gatdula, CIDG Cavite chief.

(There was a confidential informant who went to the office and said that there’s something sketchy happening at the resort as there were Chinese people dropping by.)

While most of those who were arrested are Chinese, six others are citizens of Myanmar. A Chinese man who was alleged to be the boss denied the accusations.

“No, no boss,” he said.

CIDG Cavite said the POGO workers arrived at the resort last December. They were using laptops instead of desktop computers, with each person using a mobile WiFi instead of an internet router.

Authorities confiscated electronic equipment that were allegedly used for scamming activities.

“Ito yung sinasabi nating nagtatago sa mga resorts, sa mga apartments […] Sa harap pa lang makikita mo na mayroong mga transaction ng cryptocurrency scam,” said PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.

(This is what we have been saying that they could hide in resorts or in apartments […] You can even notice at the facade that they were cryptocurrency scam transactions happening.)

“Dapat wala na sila dito. Kung may mga passports ‘yan, dapat tourist passports lang sila,” he added.

(They should no longer be here. If they have passports, it should be tourist passports.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any suspicious activities happening within your local community? Do you think there could be a lot more POGO-related operations happening inside resorts around the country? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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32 foreign nationals arrested in Parañaque City for illegal POGO work

January 19, 2025January 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in Parañaque City, thirty-two foreign nationals were arrested by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for their involvement with clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

A joint Bureau of Immigration (BI) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operation netted 32 foreign nationals found to be working for clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in Parañaque City on Friday night.

BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. reported that the foreigners were involved in online gaming and scamming operations in a building in Aseana City, a mixed-use central business district. The operation nabbed 20 Chinese, 11 Malaysians and a Cambodian.

“Let this be a warning to foreign nationals who blatantly continue illegal operations despite the ban of the President,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a news release on Saturday. “We will not stop until all illegal aliens are arrested and deported.”

The BI said more arrests and deportations are expected as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had already banned POGO operations in July 2024.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could still be many illegal POGO operations being done secretly? Why do you think Parañaque is such a hot spot for illegal POGO operations as well as criminal activities involving foreigners? Do you believe that there are thousands of illegal aliens living and working discreetly in Parañaque?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Immigration operatives arrest two Chinese passengers who used fake visas

January 16, 2025January 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, two Chinese nationals who tried to leave the country using fake visas were intercepted by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two Chinese passengers who attempted to leave the Philippines using counterfeit visas.

According to the BI, passengers Wang Dingku, 31, and Su Zhengkun, 25, were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 after trying to board a flight bound for Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday.

The BI said the travelers presented themselves at the immigration counter for departure formalities when the immigration officers noticed discrepancies in their visas. This prompted the BI officers to refer the documents to the forensic documents laboratory for checking, which later confirmed the documents as fake.

The BI said the Chinese passengers also allegedly used the counterfeit documents to enter the country.

The two will be charged with violating the Philippine Immigration Act before the BI board of commissioners, which will issue the order for their summary deportation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Chinese nationals living within your local community used fake documents to enter the Philippines and will use them to go overseas?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Several thousands of foreign POGO workers still in the country, DOJ issues warning

January 13, 2025January 5, 2025carlocarrasco

While many Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have already banned, there are still more than eleven thousand foreign employees of such businesses remaining in the country and the Department of Justice (DOJ) warned them to submit to authorities, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Justice on Sunday warned foreign Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers to surrender to authorities or face legal consequences that include permanent blacklisting.

“The President is unequivocally clear that POGOs have no place here in the Philippines and we vow to give our all-out support for the sake and welfare of the Filipino people,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.

“This Administration stands firm in its resolve to intensifying its guerilla operations against non-compliant POGOs,” he added.

In July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned all POGOs after several businesses were implicated in a variety (of) crimes, including human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and money scams.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, 22,609 of the 33,863 foreign POGO workers have already left the Philippines. This means around 11,000 foreign POGO workers are still in the country.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the authorities will be able to find the 11,000+ foreign POGO workers who are remaining in the country? Do you think that local candidates running for positions in the 2025 National and Local Elections could secretly have been funded by POGOs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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DILG will ask Parañaque City Government to explain scam hub operation with hundreds of workers

January 12, 2025January 10, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation to the big raid in Parañaque City that resulted hundreds of suspects arrested, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will ask the City Government for an explanation, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA Network. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will ask the Parañaque government for an explanation over the raided company in the city that was allegedly involved in scam hub operations, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.

The raid took place only a few days after the December 31, 2024 deadline for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country.

“Magsusulat kami sa LGU para… manghihingi kami ng paliwanag kung ano talaga ang nangyari,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

(We will write to the LGU so we can ask for an explanation on what really happened.)

This came after authorities raided a company in the city on Wednesday and arrested 400 foreigners.

Remulla, however, said he believes that the local government was unaware of the presence of the company as it has yet to inspect the area where the raid took place.

“Hindi pa alam ng Parañaque ‘yan kasi hindi pa nag re-renew ng business permit. Doon lang naman pumapasok ‘yan, basta nag re-renew ng business permit ‘yan,” he said.

(Parañaque does not know about that because they have yet to renew their business permit. That’s the only way they can inspect, as long as they renew their business permit.)

The official said it seems that the hub was previously operating as a POGO under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

“They supposedly shut down [on] December 15 pero nag resume kaagad sila right after ng December 31. Chineck natin ‘yung mga buildings na ‘yun wala na sila doon pero bumalik at bumalik sila,” Remulla said.

(They supposedly shut down on December 15 but resumed immediately after December 31. We checked those buildings and they were no longer there, but they went back.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could still be a lot more POGOs or scam hubs secretly operating? Do you think the City Government could be aware of such illegal operations happening within their jurisdiction?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Bureau of Immigration says harboring foreign workers of POGOs means prosecution

January 11, 2025January 8, 2025carlocarrasco

As there are still over eleven thousand foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who failed to follow the December 31, 2024 deadline (for departure) and remained in the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public that harboring them is a crime and it will lead to prosecution under the Philippine Immigration Act, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Persons harboring foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be prosecuted, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

“Harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense, and we will pursue violations with utmost resolve,” said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

He stressed that “the BI will not hesitate to file charges against anyone found violating Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.“

Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act prohibits the “bringing of alien in the Philippines who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, concealing or harboring an alien who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, and attempting, conspiring with, or aiding another to commit any of the prohibited acts.”

Viado issued the warning after the BI revealed that over 11,000 foreign workers of POGOs failed to leave the Philippines on the Dec. 31, 2024 deadline.

For continuing to remain in the Philippines, the bureau said these aliens will be arrested and will face deportation proceedings, he said.

“Anyone who enables these individuals to remain in the Philippines illegally will face the consequences, and the law is clear, and there will be no exceptions,” he stressed.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many foreign workers of POGOs secretly living within your local community right now? Do you think there are still POGOs secretly operating in your city?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Local authorities raid facility in Parañaque City, hundreds of suspects arrested

January 11, 2025January 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers composed of the police, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a corporate facility and arrested hundreds of people suspected of engaging in online scams and violating immigration laws, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

More than 400 individuals allegedly engaged in online scams were arrested by law enforcement agencies in Parañaque City on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena said the Parañaque City Police rendered assistance to the joint operation conducted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Abrugena said the 400 individuals, composed of foreign nationals and Filipinos, were arrested at around 4:00 p.m. in two units of a corporate center on Asiana Avenue in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

He said the operation was conducted as part of a BI mission order targeting foreign nationals involved in illegal activities in the country.

The SPD chief said the arrested persons were engaged in various unlawful activities, including operating online scams and violating immigration laws.

Abrugena said the arrested persons, including one alias “Liang,” are now (under) investigation. They were brought to the BI facility for documentation and legal action.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you convinced that a lot of foreigners who were previously employed by POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are secretly hiding in your city doing further illegal activities like online scamming?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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NBI agents arrest Chinese nationals and rescue helper during Parañaque City raid

December 27, 2024December 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a house resulting in the rescue of a helper and the apprehension of several Chinese nationals, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…

The authorities rescued a house helper in Parañaque City after being locked in by her employer operating a (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation) (POGO).

According to John Consulta’s report on 24 Oras, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents raided a house inside an exclusive subdivision in Parañaque City.

On the third floor, some Chinese nationals were caught online.

The helper said when she found out about the illegal activities happening inside the house, they locked her inside the house.

“Noong bigla ako umakyat doon at nakita ko na ganun ang trabaho nila. Noong malaman ko binabawalan na nila akong umakyat, bawal na ako lumabas kasi baka magkwento raw ako sa labas. Binabawalan nila akong maglinis sa third floor. Natatakot po ako,” she said.

(When I went up there, I saw what they were doing. When I found out what they were really doing they banned me from going upstairs, I wasn’t allowed to go out because I might tell someone about this outside. They forbid me to clean the third floor. I’m afraid.)

The NBI said she wasn’t able to go out since November.

“Nag-start ng November na ‘di na siya pinapalabas, restricted na galaw niya. Kahit sa paggamit ng cellphone, di na siya pinapagamit ng maayos,” said Terence Long-e, NBI agent.

(It started in November that she was no longer allowed to go out, her movements were restricted. Even when using a cell phone, she is not allowed to use it.)

Luckily, she was able to call a friend who then asked for help from the NBI.

The authorities discovered their scripts on the computers and the various online frauds they were into. There is also an indication that they are preying on some Filipinos.

“Nakakita kami ng mga written script which indicates social engineering scheme, may cryptocurrency scripts, may money muling, may nakita kaming romance scam script,” said NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc.

(We have found written scripts that indicate social engineering schemes, there are cryptocurrency scripts, money muling, and we have found romance scam scripts.)

“They come from a big POGO organization, dahil sa wala na nga, pinatigil na ng pangulo ang POGO, nagdivide sila into smaller group at tinuloy nila ang mga kalokohan nila,” said NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

(They come from a big POGO organization because it’s gone, the president stopped the POGO, they divided into smaller groups, and they continued their nonsense.)

Seven Chinese nationals were arrested and are facing multiple complaints. No one among them gave a statement.

The NBI will assist the rescued helper to return home to her two children in Davao.

“Yung finile namin is at least apat na charges, merong afasa, may Kasambahay Law, may Republic Act 10175, at merong expanded Anti- Human Trafficking in Persons Act,” said Lotoc.

(Our final is at least four charges: there is a fast, there is the Maid Law, there is Republic Act 10175, and there is the expanded Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Act.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be small groups of POGOs secretly setting up new and illegal operations within your local community? Do you think Parañaque has something that makes it a preferable destination for Chinese nationals to set up illegal operations?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Bureau of Immigration (BI) intensifies search for foreign fugitives all over the Philippines

December 20, 2024December 11, 2024carlocarrasco

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it is intensifying its efforts to find and arrest foreigners who illegally staying in the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The BI also warned fugitives overseas not to attempt to enter the country.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intensified its efforts in arresting and deporting foreign fugitives.

This came after Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado ordered the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU) to strengthen its actions in locating and arresting foreigners who are illegally staying in the country.

He also directed the FSU to explore data sharing agreements to receive information on fugitive records in a more timely manner.

“The faster we receive critical information, the faster we can arrest and deport these fugitives. Fugitives have no place in the Philippines,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

He also warned foreign fugitives not to attempt to enter or stay in the Philippines, following the deportation of two-high profile fugitives.

On Monday, the BI deported 36-year-old Japanese national Sasaku Yohei, a member of a Cambodia-based telecommunication syndicate engaged in kidnapping, illegal detention, extortion, and fraud.

BI officers also intercepted Australian national Rodrigo Elices, 32, last Nov. 28 at the NAIA Terminal 3 from Abu Dhabi, after he was found to be a subject of a red notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

Viado also cited information obtained by the BI that Elices is a member of the notorious “Hells Angels” gang, an internationally outlawed club of motorcycle riders allegedly involved in organized crime, including drug trafficking.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BI will be able to arrest and deport foreign fugitives nationwide while also preventing undesirable foreigners from entering the country?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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