04/10/2025
PNP ARRESTED KOREANS WITH RED NOTICES FOR ILLEGAL DETENTION, ONLINE GAMBLING
Guided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.โs directive to intensify the fight against crime and protect every Filipino community, the Philippine National Police (PNP) successfully apprehended nine Korean nationals in Cebu City for illegal detention, with additional complaints for illegal online gambling. Five of the arrested individuals are also subjects of INTERPOL Red Notices, underscoring the international dimension of the operation.
Acting PNP Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. hailed the arrests as a testament to Philippine law enforcementโs vigilance. โThe apprehension of these nine foreign nationalsโfive with INTERPOL Red Noticesโsends a clear message that no one, whether local or foreign, is above the law. This case highlights the value of intelligence-driven operations and strong community cooperation. Citizens reporting suspicious activities serve as the frontline in our fight against crime. We will continue to act decisively to safeguard public safety, uphold justice, and ensure the Philippines remains a secure nation for all,โ PLTGEN Nartatez emphasized.
The arrests followed complaints filed on August 8, 2025, after an employee claimed he had been illegally detained and denied his salary for nearly two months. The Regional Special Project Unit (RSPU) 7 validated the report, leading to the ex*****on of arrest warrants issued by Presiding Judge James Stewart Ramon E. Himalaloan of the Regional Trial Court, 7th Judicial Region, Branch 7, Cebu City, dated September 23, 2025. Some suspects were denied bail, while others were granted โฑ120,000 each.
On October 2, 2025, a separate complaint was filed against the same nine Koreans for violations of Presidential Decree 1602 in relation to RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), in connection with alleged illegal online gambling operations.
Currently, five suspects are in custody at RSPU 7 Custodial Facility, while the remaining four are under custody at Cebu City Custodial Facility, awaiting further legal proceedings.
PNP Spokesperson PBGEN Randulf T. Tuaรฑo stressed the role of public vigilance: The success of this operation proves that informed and vigilant citizens are law enforcementโs strongest allies. Active community participation helps prevent crime and ensures that justice is served without delay.โ
These arrests reaffirm the PNPโs resolve to enforce the law without fear or favor, sending a clear message that illegal actsโwhether local or foreignโwill not be tolerated.