On Valentine's Day, agents from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested three foreigners following a report from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) that linked them to illegal online gambling.
This operation is part of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos' administration's intensified efforts to crack down on foreigners engaging in illegal activities in the country.
Fortunato Manahan Jr., head of the BI Intelligence Division, reported that three Chinese nationals were arrested in Brgy. Milagrosa, Calamba, Laguna, after receiving a report from PAOCC that they were involved in online gambling and prostitution activities within their building.
It was verified that two of the suspects entered the country on tourist visas but failed to present valid documents, while the third suspect held a visa from a company in Makati.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente stated, "The Bureau of Immigration is committed to strengthening border security and apprehending foreigners who abuse their residency rights in the Philippines. This operation demonstrates our dedication to upholding immigration laws and supporting the government's fight against organized crime."
The operation was coordinated with the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
The three suspects will remain in the PAOCC facility in Pasay City for deportation proceedings.
