Philippine police recently launched a raid in San Vicente, Tarlac Province, dismantling a large illegal gambling hub and arresting 94 individuals involved. The operation details were officially announced by the police.
This operation was led by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG), in collaboration with PAGCOR, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and local governments.
According to the report, the involved syndicate used "raffle" activities as a cover, operating unauthorized gambling businesses that combined online and offline platforms. The arrested individuals include various levels, from raffle distributors to administrative staff, agents, and management.
The police stated that the organization is suspected of violating Presidential Decree No. 1602 (Anti-Illegal Gambling Law) and Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act). Currently, all 94 individuals are detained, awaiting further legal prosecution.
In recent years, similar "raffle-style gambling" has frequently appeared in the Philippines, often disguised as legitimate activity centers, enticing participation through "rebates," "investments," "agency," etc. Some groups are also involved in money laundering and cross-border fraud, drawing significant attention from law enforcement agencies.
The police reiterated their commitment to cracking down on such new types of gambling schemes and urged the public to stay away from illegal gambling to avoid falling into scams.
