NBI Raids Makati Casino Hub, Arrests 35 Including Foreign Nationals

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 35 people, including 26 foreign nationals, after raiding an alleged illegal gambling operation disguised as an amusement arcade in Makati City. The bureau said agents from its Dangerous Drugs Division and Organized and Transnational Crime Division served a court-issued search warrant at the Goraku Amusement Center inside The Gallery Building. Investigators said the establishment was operating a large-scale illegal gambling business under the guise of a legitimate amusement facility. Authorities arrested 26 foreign nationals and nine Filipino employees during the operation. The NBI also seized 103 alleged illegal slot machines, gambling paraphernalia and payment ledgers. All 35 suspects remain in NBI custody and are facing complaints for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, which penalizes illegal gambling. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez