Philippines: seven-day illegal gambling operation lands 13 in jail

• The Philippines organized coordinated raids targeting drug distribution, loose firearms and illegal gambling
• The seven-day raids resulted in the arrest of more than 100 suspects
• In operations against illegal gambling, police arrested 13 suspects

Law enforcement agencies in the Philippines executed a week-long operation against illegal gambling, drug distribution and loose firearms.

More than a dozen people suspected of being involved in illegal gambling were arrested and charged.

Law enforcement conducts a week-long operation

The multi-agency operation was held between May 17 and May 23, 2026, a report by the Mindanao Times confirms.

According to the Davao City Police Office’s (DCPO) Director Col. Peter Bauzon Madria, the coordinated raids focused on drug distribution, illegal gambling and loose firearms.

The seven-day police operation also tracked down wanted persons.

Notably, the illegal gambling crackdown resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects in 13 anti-illegal gambling raids.

Law enforcement seized several thousand Philippine pesos in cash during the raids.

At the same time, the 13 suspects were charged, and their cases were sent to court.

Separately, the DCPO, together with other law enforcement agencies, executed 30 arrest warrants.

Following the arrest of the 30 individuals, police explained that 14 were on lists of most wanted individuals.

On the other hand, the crackdown on drug distribution resulted in dozens of arrests.

With the help of tactical units, law enforcement executed search warrants, arresting 51 suspects and seizing marijuana and shabu.

Last but not least, nearly two dozen firearms were seized by law enforcement, with some of the weapons being surrendered, while others were confiscated.

In total, the seven-day police operations resulted in the arrest of more than 100 suspects.

The Philippines has established a comprehensive framework for punishing illegal gambling.

In the cases of bettors or players, suspects found guilty may be sentenced to between 30 and 90 days in prison.

However, in the cases of property owners or employees at illegal gambling operations, the penalty varies between 6 years and 1 day and 8 years.

High-ranking illegal gambling officials such as agents, collectors, supervisors, managers or leaders of illegal gambling groups can be punished with imprisonment from 8 years to 20 years.

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