BI stops ex-POGO worker, 6 others at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines —The Bureau of Immigration (BI) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport prevented from boarding their flight a former offshore gaming worker and six Filipinos who were recruited to work in a scam hub in Cambodia.

In a statement, the BI immigration protection and border enforcement section (I-Probes) officers intercepted three men and four women on Nov. 8 who were about to board a Cathay Pacific flight for Vietnam.

The group initially claimed to be friends bound for Ho Chi Minh City for a two-day vacation. They were referred to the I-Probes for secondary checks.

During interview, the victims admitted they were recruited to work in Cambodia by a company that the BI believes is linked to regional scam hubs.

One of the seven admitted working previously in a Philippine offshore gaming operator or POGO firm. He said was paid by an Indonesian to escort the six out of the country.

“We now see links between closed POGO companies in the Philippines and these scam hubs abroad,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

“Some POGO companies that were shut down were masquerading as legitimate businesses but were actually involved in scam operations.  Now that they have closed shop, they are recruiting Pinoys to work in scam hubs abroad,” he added.

Viado urged the public to avoid accepting similar offers from recruiters, noting that Filipinos have reported abuse, torture and electrocution while working in the scam hubs.