Around 200 foreign nationals seized in raid on alleged scam center in Zamboanga Sibugay
An interagency operation in the towns of Alicia and Siay uncovered roughly 200 foreign nationals and about 2,000 electronic devices suspected of supporting scam activities.
A coordinated sweep by the Philippine Army, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration targeted a suspected scam hub in the municipalities of Alicia and Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay. The raid resulted in the detention of about 200 foreign nationals and the seizure of roughly 2,000 mobile phones, computers, laptops and other electronic equipment. The operation, supported by local police and troops from the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade, followed intelligence on possible human trafficking, immigration violations and other transnational offenses.
Authorities are verifying the detainees' identities, nationalities and whether they were perpetrators or victims of exploitation. Governor Dulce Ann Hofer expressed support for the crackdown while emphasizing the need for legal safeguards, and Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr. urged that any victims receive protection and that those responsible be prosecuted through proper channels. The seized devices will undergo forensic analysis to determine any connection to scam operations.
Why it matters
The raid highlights ongoing concerns about transnational crime and human trafficking in the Philippines and the government's response.
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