CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Police uncovered a suspected cryptocurrency scam and illegal offshore gaming operation at the Clark Freeport with the arrest on Aug. 5 of 27 Chinese nationals and the discovery of eight Filipina women allegedly working in online scam activities.
Acting on Mission Order No. 2025-195 dated July 25, 2025 issued by the Fugitive Search Unit-Bureau of Immigration, Police Regional Office 3, together with the BI and military intelligence units conducted a predawn raid on a resort compound along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in the freeport.
Twenty-four Chinese nationals, 22 males and two females were caught in the act of operating a cryptocurrency investment scam hub, and eight Filipina women were also discovered on site, police said.
An hour later, a follow-up operation under Mission Order No. 2025-219 dated August 4, 2025 also issued by the FSU-BID was conducted at Unit 31, Clark Hills Village D, Sacobia Street, resulting in the arrest of three more Chinese nationals engaged in phishing and other scam-related activities. Dozens of computer workstations and electronic devices were seized and are now undergoing forensic examination, police said.
In a statement, PRO3 director BGen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. commended the successful operation as part of the government’s broader crackdown on transnational cybercrime and illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
“These operations are a testament to our intensified campaign against transnational cybercrimes and illegal POGO activities. We are sending a clear message—Central Luzon is not a haven for scammers and exploiters,” said Peñones. “I commend the FSU-BID, RID, RSOG3, and all partner agencies for their swift and coordinated action. We will continue to work relentlessly to protect our communities and extend appropriate support to those exploited by these syndicates.” Punto News Team/PRO-3
