Overstaying Chinese national with POGO links nabbed in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives arrested a 34-year-old Chinese national with suspected links to previous Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) operations in Barangay 16 here.

In a report posted on the BI’s website Thursday, the bureau said the suspect, identified as Xie Yingwen, was arrested pursuant to a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado following information from government intelligence sources.

During his apprehension, the suspect failed to present any identification and was later found to have failed to extend his visa, rendering him an overstaying alien.

The BI also tagged him as an undesirable alien because of his alleged links to online gaming operations.

Before traveling to Bacolod City, the suspect, according to the BI, admitted to having previously worked in Manila as a food and fruit vendor.

The suspect was immediately transferred to the BI’s holding facility in Bicutan, Taguig City, where he will remain while facing deportation charges.

Police Maj. Eugene Tolentino, head of Police Station 1, said the BI coordinated with local police regarding the operation, but they had no information about the suspect’s background, including why he was in the city, because the matter was confidential.

The BI operation was also conducted in coordination with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) and Bacolod City Police Station 1.

The arrest was part of the government’s continuing campaign against foreign nationals who violate Philippine immigration laws, including those allegedly linked to illegal online gaming operations.

In a statement, Viado emphasized that the agency’s strong coordination with the intelligence community allows the BI to multiply its forces and monitor the movements of foreign nationals nationwide.

“Our operations are not merely centralized in Metro Manila,” Viado said, adding that cooperation with local government units, local police, and the intelligence community allows them to locate and arrest illegal aliens that might be hiding in different areas of the country.