Philippine Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Gambling

The Philippine Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), with the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and armed forces, has executed a large-scale raid in Bagac, Bataan, resulting in the arrest of 57 foreign nationals and 358 Filipinos. Those apprehended are suspected of involvement in illegal offshore gaming operations, in a crackdown highlighting the Philippines’ intensified efforts to combat unauthorized gambling and human trafficking.

Philippine Authorities Conduct Major Raid, Arrest Over 400 in Crackdown on Illegal Gambling

Officials conducted the raid on a compound in Bagac, Bataan, targeting the Central One complex, which was identified as housing an unlicensed offshore gaming operation. According to PAOCC executive director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, the facility employed approximately 900 workers, including nationals from China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and over 600 Filipinos.

The Malolos Regional Trial Court issued a search warrant after finding probable cause for violations of Republic Act 9208, which addresses human trafficking. The raid not only exposed unlicensed gambling activities but also alleged connections to human trafficking, with workers potentially forced into employment at the hub. Among those detained were ten Chinese nationals, four Malaysians, and two Thai nationals identified as suspected leaders of the operation.

Key Points:

• Over 400 individuals arrested in connection with illegal gambling in Bagac, Bataan.
• The operation employed 900 people, including foreign nationals from China, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
• Human trafficking charges are also being pursued, involving forced employment allegations.

Permit and Licensing Violations

The company operating out of Central One reportedly held a permit from the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan but lacked the required online gambling permit from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This absence of a PAGCOR license rendered the operation illegal under Philippine law, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance within the gaming industry.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio emphasized the need for oversight to prevent unauthorized offshore gaming activities, as well as the risks posed by unregulated hubs that often exploit workers and operate outside established regulatory frameworks.

Ongoing Human Trafficking Investigations

In a related development, the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has expanded its human trafficking charges related to another raided offshore gaming operation in Bamban, Tarlac. Following complaints from two victims forced to work at the site, the PNP-CIDG added eight more individuals to the list of those facing charges.

Additionally, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and others are also implicated in alleged connections to Lucky South 99, another offshore gaming operation. The PNP-CIDG filed human trafficking charges against Roque after an operation targeting Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga earlier this week.

The Bataan raid and subsequent arrests signify the Philippines’ dedication to regulating its gambling industry and preventing human trafficking. With over 400 arrests and expanding investigations into illegal offshore operations, authorities are reinforcing the importance of licensure through PAGCOR and compliance with anti-trafficking laws. These actions underscore the government’s zero-tolerance stance on unlicensed gambling activities and exploitation within the industry.