90 Chinese, 2 Malaysians nabbed in Bacoor, Cavite —police

Ninety Chinese and two Malaysians were arrested in an apartelle in Barangay Mabolo 1, Bacoor, Cavite on Friday for alleged illegal operation of offshore gaming activities, authorities said Sunday.

In a news release, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said the raid stemmed from a report it received from concerned citizens that Chinese nationals were frequently seen loitering and gathering in front of the apartelle without upper garments and face masks, and ignoring strict social distancing measures against COVID-19.

During the operation, police caught several Chinese nationals violating quarantine measures, huddling closely in a car garage with their chairs, tables, cellphones and computers.

Also, the foreigners failed to show authorities pertinent travel documents and work  permits to prove they are legal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers.

Authorities confiscated 53 laptops with chargers and mouse, 102 units of cellphones, a passport, a keyboard, and P5.3 million.

Police said the suspects were temporarily being held in the apartelle, and the pieces of evidence confiscated were brought to the Anti-Organized Crime Unit Office in Camp Crame, Quezon City for proper documentation and continuous investigation.

Cases for violation of Republic Act 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act) and Presidential Decree 1602 and RA 9287 (illegal numbers game) both in relation to RA 10175 are being readied for filing through inquest proceedings, authorities said. —LBG, GMA News