The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group detained 13 people during an operation at a house in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, that was allegedly being used for illegal online gaming. The June 15 operation began with the arrest of a wanted person linked to an alleged offshore gaming operation. CIDG officers then found 12 other people inside the property, where online gambling activity was reportedly under way.
Arrest operation leads to wider case
CIDG personnel had gone to the house to serve a court order against the wanted suspect. Police described the person as an employee of an alleged Philippine offshore gaming operation.
During the arrest, officers allegedly found an active gaming setup inside the property. Police then secured the house and detained the other people found there. The case is now being investigated as an alleged illegal online gaming operation. Authorities are reviewing the role of each person detained and whether the house was connected to a wider group.
Home allegedly used for gaming work
The property was located inside Ayala Alabang Village in southern Metro Manila. Police believe the house was being used as an operating site rather than only as a residence.
The 12 people found with the wanted suspect were allegedly involved in the online gambling activity. Authorities have not released details on the platform, the countries targeted or the money handled by the operation.
Investigators are examining phones, computers and other equipment recovered during the raid. The material may show whether the group had links to other gaming, fraud or cybercrime cases.
POGO ban shifts enforcement work
The Philippines shut down its Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator sector after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a ban in 2024. The order followed allegations linking some POGO sites to online scams, trafficking and other crimes.
Licensed offshore gaming operators were required to close by the end of 2024. Police, immigration authorities and other agencies have since focused on former POGO workers, illegal gaming sites and groups using smaller locations.
The Muntinlupa operation shows how how police are now targeting smaller online gaming sites. Authorities are now checking houses, offices and other smaller properties that may be used for online gaming activity.
CIDG examines possible charges
The detainees were taken into custody for documentation and investigation. CIDG will decide whether charges should be filed after reviewing the evidence from the house. Potential cases may involve illegal gambling, cybercrime or violations linked to the offshore gaming ban. Any charges will depend on the findings from devices, records and online accounts connected to the operation.
