Philippine gambling seizures in Northern Mindanao top US$3.4m in H1 2026
Illegal gambling led law enforcement confiscations in the first half of 2026.
The Philippines.- Illegal gambling accounted for the largest value of law enforcement seizures in Northern Mindanao during the first half of 2026. Seizures across 319 operations had a total estimated value of PHP194.4m (US$3.4m), according to The Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) said 522 people were arrested in connection with illegal gambling between January and June. Speaking at a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City, PRO-10 chief Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the results reflect intensified enforcement efforts and collaboration with local stakeholders.
Illegal gambling was followed by anti-drug operations, which resulted in the seizure of PHP137.9m (US$2.4m) worth of marijuana and shabu. Authorities conducted 1,641 anti-drug operations and arrested 1,908 people. Anti-smuggling efforts ranked third in terms of the value of confiscated goods due to the seizure of more than PHP119m (US$2.1m) worth of smuggled cigarettes.
