In a significant crackdown on illegal gambling, 29 foreign nationals were arrested during a raid on a clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operation at a resort in Silang, Cavite. The operation, which took place on January 15, 2025, was initiated following a tip from the owner of Elijosh Resort in Barangay Lalaan 2, who noticed suspicious activities involving foreign individuals entering the premises with gambling equipment.
The raid was executed by a collaborative effort from multiple government agencies, including the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Calabarzon Regional Field Unit, the Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit, the Cavite Police Provincial Office, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. The arrested individuals included 23 from China and six from Myanmar, all suspected of participating in the illegal POGO activities.
Following the arrests, the Bureau of Immigration issued a mission order and is currently handling the deportation proceedings for the suspects. This operation underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling, especially after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared a ban on all POGO operations due to their association with criminal activities.