Zamboanga Sibugay raids arrest 244 foreign workers in POGO crackdown

POGO crackdown online scam hub Zamboanga Sibugay raids human trafficking investigation illegal offshore gaming

Philippine authorities conducted a major crackdown on illegal offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in Zamboanga Sibugay, resulting in the arrest of 244 foreign nationals. The operation, described by the Bureau of Immigration as the largest POGO bust of the year, targeted two locations on the southern island of Mindanao.

In the first raid at Siay, 113 individuals were detained, including 110 Chinese citizens, two Cambodians, and one Hong Kong resident. A second raid in Alicia led to the arrest of 131 foreign nationals, primarily from China, but also including citizens from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Authorities seized a significant amount of digital infrastructure, including 78 computer monitors, approximately 3,000 mobile phones, laptops, and numerous SIM cards.

Law enforcement agencies are investigating potential human trafficking and digital fraud offenses. This crackdown follows the 2024 ban on POGOs, which the government implemented due to links to organized crime, including money laundering and kidnapping.

Separately, in Western Visayas, the Police Regional Office 6 conducted a week-long 'Birada Semana' anti-drug campaign, resulting in 40 arrests and the seizure of over P10.35 million worth of suspected illegal drugs, including shabu and marijuana.

Entities

Armed Forces of the Philippines · Bureau of Immigration · Cagayan de Oro City · Joel Viado · National Bureau of Investigation · Philippines · Police Regional Office 10 · Police Regional Office 5 · Police Regional Office 6 · Western Visayas · Zamboanga Sibugay

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] PRO-6 conducted 36 anti-drug operations in Western Visayas from September 21 to 27, 2026. www.imtnews.ph
[○ 1 SOURCE] A buy-bust operation in Cagayan de Oro City recovered 470 grams of suspected shabu valued at P3.196 million.
[○ 1 SOURCE] PRO10 seized approximately P3.26 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested four people in Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin on October 1 and 2, 2026.
[○ 1 SOURCE] PRO-6 operations resulted in 40 arrests, including 14 high-value individuals and 23 street-level individuals. www.imtnews.ph
[○ 1 SOURCE] PRO-5 seized more than P7.3 million worth of suspected illegal drugs in September. balita.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] PRO-5 conducted 126 operations in the Bicol Region during September, arresting 145 individuals. balita.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] PRO-6 seized over P10.35 million worth of illegal drugs, including 1,520.04 grams of suspected shabu. www.imtnews.ph
[○ 1 SOURCE] The combined estimated value of illegal drugs seized by PRO-6 during the week-long crackdown was over P10.35 million. www.imtnews.ph
[● 5 SOURCES] The Philippine government banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in 2024 due to links to organized crime. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · newscentraltv.com · www.wazzuppilipinas.com · philnews.ph
[● 5 SOURCES] Philippine authorities arrested 244 foreign workers, primarily Chinese nationals, during raids on two sites in Zamboanga Sibugay. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · newscentraltv.com · www.wazzuppilipinas.com · philnews.ph
[DISPUTED] The first raid in Siay resulted in the arrest of 110 Chinese citizens, two Cambodians, and one Hong Kong resident. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · newscentraltv.com · www.wazzuppilipinas.com · philnews.ph
[● 5 SOURCES] Authorities seized large quantities of electronic equipment, including computers, laptops, and approximately 3,000 mobile phones. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · newscentraltv.com · www.wazzuppilipinas.com · philnews.ph