Philippine media revealed that recently, authorities launched a raid on a luxury resort in Alabat Island, Quezon, southeast of Metro Manila, successfully arresting 42 Chinese nationals suspected of illegally operating offshore gaming (Philippine offshore gaming operators). Authorities pointed out that the majority of those arrested could not produce legal identification or work permits, and were preliminarily determined to be involved in illegal gambling activities.
According to information disclosed by the Calabarzon police regional office, this joint operation was initiated based on public tip-offs. Informants indicated that recently, there has been a frequent arrival of Chinese nationals on Alabat Island via roll-on/roll-off ships, who then enter the resort in vans and have not been seen since, with zero contact with local residents, exhibiting suspicious behavior.
Law enforcement officials noted that although the resort claimed to be temporarily closed, a large number of Chinese nationals were found residing inside, with no outsiders allowed in, suggesting it had been converted into a "secret base" for illegal activities. A prosecutor commented, "Such criminal groups often prefer scenic but remote areas for camouflage, appearing to be resorts, but possibly serving as bases for online fraud or gambling."
The immigration bureau is further investigating whether these individuals had previously engaged in related gambling activities in Porac, Pampanga, and had moved their operations to the island following past raids. Preliminary indications suggest that this group may be connected to a previous illegal POGO network that evaded law enforcement.
Currently, the immigration bureau stated that it will initiate deportation proceedings for these 42 individuals and permanently blacklist them from entering the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Philippine government reiterated its "zero tolerance" policy towards foreigners engaging in illegal gambling and telecommunications fraud, and will continue to strengthen its efforts to eradicate such activities in the country.
