Bataan Freeport Zone Allegedly Operating As Scam Hub Raided

Authorities have raided a large facility inside the freeport zone in Bataan, allegedly operating as a scam hub, and rescued close to a thousand workers.

The companies are under Central Park and owned by Central One Bataan. I Photo: Central One Bataan Ph Inc. Facebook

Joint operatives from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), led by Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, along with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), raided the facility at CentroPark in Sitio Cabog-Cabog, Balanga, Bataan.

The authorities were issued the appropriate search warrant to inspect the premises by a Malolos court on Oct. 29, according to a report from the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Central Luzon Regional Police Office Chief Gen. Redrigo Maranan personally co-supervised the police operation at the site. Authorities reported that the facility was allegedly running love scams, cyber scams, and online gambling operations.

The complex included a dormitory and six buildings housing various sub-operations.

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio stated that the company operated under a permit from the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) but lacked the necessary permit from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to conduct online gambling operations.

“The companies are under Central Park and owned by Central One Bataan. The property is part of the Camaya Land Development, making Camaya Land Development the primary lessor,” Casio said.

Central One employs around 1,500 workers, mostly Filipinos. Casio added that approximately 50 foreigners working at the facility will be detained separately from the Filipino workers.