CEBU PROVINCE — In a coordinated law enforcement effort, over 100 foreign nationals were arrested at a resort in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, for their involvement in an illegal online gambling operation. The raid, conducted on Saturday, targeted a hub operating without legal permissions.
According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) intelligence division, the operation was based on a mission order from Commissioner Norman Tansingco, which aimed to apprehend 13 foreigners who were monitored for overstaying and working without permits in the Philippines. The arrested individuals are set to undergo inquest proceedings before potential deportation. Tansingco also highlighted the legal actions impending against the owners of the resort for harboring illegal aliens and allowing their property to be used for unlawful activities. “We will suggest to the authorities to file cases against resort owners who allow their property to be used by illegal aliens in their covert operations,” he stated, emphasizing the operation’s role as a deterrent to potential illegal online gambling activities.
The raid was a joint initiative involving multiple agencies, including the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. Additionally, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were present to assist any individuals potentially affected by human trafficking.