BI raids illegal online gaming hub, arrests over 100 foreigners

More than 100 foreign nationals were arrested during a raid at an illegal online gaming hub in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Saturday.

The operation was based on a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco targeting 13 monitored illegal aliens who were overstaying and working without permits.

Hundreds of foreigners were found engaging in illegal online gaming operations on makeshift work stations inside the resort premises.

Those arrested will face inquest proceedings before deportation, while charges may also be filed against resort owners for harboring illegal aliens.

The raid was conducted with the cooperation of multiple agencies including the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco emphasized that this operation serves as a warning to those attempting illegal online gambling operations, which have been banned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In addition to this raid, BI has already converted working visas to tourist visas for about 2,000 foreign workers in line with the president's directive to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) by October 15.