An illegal gambling den was discovered and closed after police in the Philippines arrested a man accused of hurling an explosive into the venue, following disruptions over drop-ball gaming.
14 individuals were injured in the blast according to local outlet The Inquirer, with nine remaining in hospital for further treatment.
The incident occurred at a shop in the city of Baguio after the accused was involved in a confrontation with a shopworker. He then allegedly returned with an improvised explosive device, which was thrown into the shop.
Following an investigation by the police, it was discovered that the blast site is home to an illegal gambling den offering ‘drop ball’ gaming.
The Mayor of Baguio has since ordered the closure of the gambling den following its discovery, and urged the city’s police force to remain vigilant against similar operations.
Although a highly unusual way for a black market operation to be discovered, this latest update underlines the battle that authorities in the Philippines have to curtail illegal gambling.
In February, Senators in the country lambasted national enforcement agencies for failing to effectively target locations where e-sabong – also known as cockfighting – is still taking place.
Addressing key figures from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Senator Erwin Tulfo said: “You’ve managed to take down some e-sabong sites, but those were small-time operators. You still can’t take down the biggest one in the entire Philippines.”
More recently, intelligence from the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group led to the arrest of four Korean nationals who have been charged with offering ‘numbers game’ and sports betting through social media for over five years.
These incidents also come amidst intensified scrutiny for the licensed sector, with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) aiming to introduce heightened regulatory controls.
Last month, PAGCOR signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Justice, which sees its personnel included on the regulator’s list of persons restricted from entering casinos.
Meanwhile, the regulator has also certified Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) to test and certify the iGaming platforms that make up the Philippines’ gaming market.
Alejandro Tengco, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of PAGCOR, commented: “PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply with the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players.”
