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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP nabs 9 foreigners in Cebu for illegal detention, online gambling

PNP nabs 9 foreigners in Cebu for illegal detention, online gambling

Published Oct 3, 2025 04:36 pm
(Courtesy of Central Visayas Police Regional Office / PRO-7)
(Courtesy of Central Visayas Police Regional Office / PRO-7)
Nine Koreans were arrested for allegedly running an illegal online gambling operation and unlawfully detaining an employee in Cebu City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed Friday, Oct. 3.
Acting PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said five of the suspects have INTERPOL Red Notices, a global alert issued to law enforcement worldwide, requesting them to locate and provisionally arrest a person wanted by a member country or an international tribunal.
“The apprehension of these nine foreign nationals—five with INTERPOL Red Notices—sends a clear message that no one, whether local or foreign, is above the law. This case highlights the value of intelligence-driven operations and strong community cooperation,” he said.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by an employee on Aug. 8. The employee claimed he was illegally detained by the suspects while his salary was withheld for nearly two months.
The PNP’s Regional Special Project Unit (RSPU) in Central Visayas verified the report, leading to the execution of warrants issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 7 Presiding Judge James Stewart Ramon E. Himalaloan on September 23, 2025.
The PNP said some of the suspects were ordered held without bail while others were released on a P120,000 bond each.
A separate complaint was filed against the suspects on Thursday, Oct. 2, for violating Presidential Decree 1602 in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, citing their alleged illegal online gambling activities.
“Citizens reporting suspicious activities serve as the frontline in our fight against crime. We will continue to act decisively to safeguard public safety, uphold justice, and ensure the Philippines remains a secure nation for all,” Nartatez said.
Currently, five suspects were placed under the custody of the RSPU 7 while the remaining four were held at the Cebu City Police Custodial Facility as they await further legal proceedings.

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PNP Koreans illegal online gambling illegal detention Cebu City
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