Three foreign nationals were arrested in Angeles City over an alleged child exploitation and unauthorized online gaming operation involving two minors. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children and pursuing offenders to the full extent of the law. (Jason de Asis)
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Three foreign nationals were arrested by police in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City, after authorities uncovered an alleged unauthorized online gaming operation involving two minors.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of June 16, 2026, following a request for assistance from the mothers of two teenage boys who were reportedly staying at and frequently visiting an apartment occupied by foreign nationals in the area.
According to Police Station 4 of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), responding officers arrived at the location at around 2:30 a.m. and found one of the minors seated in front of a computer unit. Further investigation revealed that the two boys, aged 16 and 17, were allegedly recruited by an individual identified only by an alias and brought to the suspects.
Authorities said the minors were allegedly required to work overnight shifts from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., playing the online game Lineage Classic and meeting daily gaming quotas in exchange for a reported wage of ₱500 per shift.
Investigators also discovered that the operation allegedly lacked the necessary permits and licenses required for business and employment activities. Several computer units and related equipment were seized during the operation as evidence.
The three foreign nationals were taken into police custody for documentation and further investigation, while efforts are underway to locate and arrest another individual believed to have recruited the minors.
The suspects may face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 9208, as amended by Republic Act 10364, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as well as Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), reiterated the Philippine National Police’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation and trafficking.
“The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in safeguarding the welfare and rights of children. We commend the swift action of our personnel and encourage the public to report any form of child exploitation, trafficking, or abuse. Anyone who exploits minors will face the full force of the law, regardless of nationality or status,” Mendez said.
The operation forms part of the PNP’s continuing efforts to protect vulnerable sectors and strengthen its campaign against child exploitation and human trafficking across Central Luzon. (Jason de Asis)