Philippines arrests 244 foreign workers in online gaming raids

Philippine authorities have arrested 244 foreign nationals in raids targeting illegal online gaming operations in the southern region of Mindanao, the country’s immigration bureau said. The bureau described the operation as the largest crackdown on Philippine offshore gaming operators, known as POGOs, in 2026. Authorities raided two locations on Friday with the military and other law enforcement agencies.

At one site, officials arrested 110 Chinese nationals, two Cambodians and a Hong Kong resident, according to a statement released late Saturday. Another 131 foreigners were detained at the second location. They were mostly Chinese and also included nationals of Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar.

Officials seized what the bureau described as large quantities of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops and SIM cards. The government is investigating possible human-trafficking offences involving some of those detained, while the remainder are expected to be deported. The Philippines banned POGOs in 2024 after authorities said organised crime groups had used the industry as a cover for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnapping and murder.

Immigration chief Joel Viado said the bureau would continue enforcing immigration laws against foreign nationals who violated the conditions of their stay. He also said the Philippines should not be used as a base for illegal activities. Chinese embassy spokesman Ji Lingpeng said the embassy was seeking details from Philippine law-enforcement agencies.

He added that Chinese law prohibits gambling, including gambling overseas by Chinese nationals and working for gambling companies.