15 Chinese nationals arrested for allegedly working without permit, illegal online gambling

MANILA, Philippines  — At least 15 Chinese nationals were arrested on Tuesday afternoon for allegedly working in the country illegally and for being involved in illegal online gambling operations

According to a report by The STAR, the National Bureau of Investigation told local media on Tuesday that the 15 were arrested in two separate operations in Manila on November 21, and Angeles City on November 22.

NBI Director Dante Gierran said the suspects will be charged for violating the Anti-Illegal Gambling Act, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The suspects were allegedly in the country on tourist visas, but set up online gambling activities instead.

In Manila, five suspects were arrested from settling up gambling operations out of three condominium units in Malate. The NBI was tipped off by residents who complained about the foreign nationals in their building.

Seized from the units were Wi-Fi routers, smartphones, laptops and desktops.

In Angeles City, ten Chinese natioals were arrested at a residence in the Punta Verde Subdivision.

The announcement of the arrests comes a day after the Senate's Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resource Development met to discuss the influx of Chinese nationals working in gambling operations in the Philippines.  

Sen. Grace Poe said during the hearing that she wanted agencies to crack down on workers in the country wtihout a permit. "Immigration, DOLE, should go to these sites. Surprise inspection. If they see that they don't have proper permits, they should be arrested and deported," she said.

READ: Senate probes influx of illegal Chinese workers

According to the Department of Labor and Employment, about only 50,000 Alient Employment Certificates were issued for Chinese nationals working in the country. However, Sens. Joel Villanueva and Franklin Drilon estimate that between 200,000 and 400,000 Chinese nationals may be working in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations companies.— Ryan Macasero