On August 12, 2025, the National Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines successfully cracked down on an illegal offshore gambling case in Davao City, capturing 8 Chinese nationals involved. The operation was led by the Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office of the Bureau, which sealed a residence on Gardenia Street, Montclair Highlands Subdivision, Buhangin, Davao City, and shut down the illegal gambling den located there.
Arceleto Albao, the head of the Bureau, stated in a media interview that multiple computers, mobile phones, and the passports of the Chinese nationals involved were seized at the scene, all of which were used to conduct illegal gambling activities. Investigator Elias Leo Jr. revealed that the raid was executed after a long period of covert investigation. The den, hidden within a residential area, was suspected of engaging in offshore gambling and was closely linked to illegal activities such as human trafficking and cyber fraud.
According to Leo, the eight Chinese suspects were arrested on the spot, and the case is under further investigation. The Bureau stated that it would focus on determining whether local officials were involved in covering up or condoning such illegal activities, ensuring the complete eradication of similar crimes, and the case would be submitted to the court for legal proceedings.
From the disclosed video, the den was filled with multiple computers, suspected of being used for cyber fraud or illegal gambling operations. During the arrest, several suspects were handcuffed and escorted from the scene by Bureau investigators. The site also revealed a large amount of suspected crime-related documents and personal belongings, showing that the den was disguised as an ordinary residence. Some netizens expressed irony and concern about Davao City becoming a "paradise" for illegal offshore gambling.
It is worth noting that similar cases have occurred before. In December 2024, a cyber fraud den in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, was raided, and 59 Chinese nationals were arrested, although subsequent reports suggested that some suspects might be released. In response to the frequent occurrence of illegal gambling and fraud cases involving Chinese nationals in the Philippines in recent years, Philippine law enforcement has adopted a "catch first, investigate later" tough stance, making the living and working environment for Chinese nationals in the Philippines increasingly severe.
This case serves as a reminder for Chinese travelers in the Philippines to remain highly vigilant and avoid involvement in local illegal gambling and fraud activities to prevent legal violations and irreversible consequences. The Philippine police have stated that they will continue to crack down on such crimes to maintain social order and safety.
