332 illegal foreign workers arrested in Tarlac

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 6) -- Authorities arrested on Wednesday more than three hundred undocumented foreign workers in Tarlac, who were reportedly involved in online gambling and cybercrime operations.

In a press release on Sunday, the Bureau of Immigration said its joint operations with the National Bureau of Investigation resulted in the apprehension of 323 Chinese nationals, eight Malaysians, and one Indonesian at a worksite in Pag-asa Street, Brgy. Dela Cruz, Bamban, Tarlac.

The foreigners were found to have no working visas.

"They were reportedly involved in online gambling, internet fraud, and cybercrime operations," said BI Commissioner Jaime Morente.

"They were conducting clandestine operations. Their worksite was in a compound that was under construction, and they didn't leave the premises as they already have their barracks there," he added.

The BI said the illegal workers face deportation for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, adding that all are currently under the physical custody of the NBI, pending the filing of appropriate immigration charges and actual deportation.