Pampanga: A total of 27 Chinese nationals were arrested in separate operations for allegedly operating scam hubs inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, the Police Regional Office - Central Luzon (PRO-3) said on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Pe±ones stated that the first raid occurred around 2 a.m., conducted by operatives from the Central Luzon police, Bureau of Immigration, and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at the Asian Greenville Resort in Barangay Jose Abad Santos in Mabalacat City. During this operation, 24 Chinese nationals, including two women, were arrested for allegedly operating a cryptocurrency investment scam hub. Additionally, eight Filipino women were found at the location.

An hour later, authorities carried out another raid at a condominium unit in Clark Hills Village D, Sacobia Street, also in Mabalacat City, resulting in the arrest of three more Chinese nationals. Pe±ones reported that these individuals were allegedly engaged in phishing and other scam-related activities.

Numerous computer workstations and electronic devices were seized during the operations and are currently undergoing forensic examination. Pe±ones praised the personnel for their swift and coordinated actions that led to the successful operations.

He emphasized that these operations are part of an intensified campaign against transnational cybercrimes and illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) activities, sending a clear message that Central Luzon is not a haven for scammers and exploiters. Pe±ones assured that the PNP will continue to work relentlessly, in collaboration with other agencies, to protect communities and provide appropriate support to those exploited by these syndicates.