14 injured by improvised explosive as illegal gambling persists in the Philippines

(AsiaGameHub) –   Police in the Philippines apprehended a man suspected of detonating an explosive device at an illegal gambling establishment, leading to the closure of the venue. The incident followed a dispute over drop-ball gaming.

According to local news source The Inquirer, the blast injured 14 people, with nine requiring ongoing hospital treatment.

The event unfolded at a shop in Baguio after the suspect allegedly engaged in an altercation with an employee. He is then said to have returned with a homemade explosive, which he threw into the premises.

A police investigation revealed that the location was operating as an illegal gambling den offering ‘drop ball’ games.

In response, the Mayor of Baguio has ordered the gambling den to be shut down and has instructed the city’s police force to maintain vigilance against similar illicit operations.

While this incident represents an unusual method for an illegal operation to be exposed, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in the Philippines in their efforts to curb illegal gambling.

In February, senators criticized national law enforcement agencies for their perceived ineffectiveness in targeting locations where e-sabong, or cockfighting, continues to operate illegally.

Senator Erwin Tulfo addressed key officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), stating: “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 gathered by the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group resulted in the arrest of four Korean nationals accused of running an illegal ‘numbers game’ and sports betting operation via social media for over five years.

These events also occur amid increased scrutiny of the licensed gaming sector, with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) planning to implement stricter regulatory measures.

Last month, PAGCOR signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Justice, which includes PAGCOR personnel on a list of individuals prohibited from entering casinos.

Additionally, PAGCOR has certified Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) to conduct testing and certification for the iGaming platforms operating within the Philippines.

Alejandro Tengco, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of PAGCOR, stated: “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.”