Angcles city: Three foreign nationals were arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga after authorities uncovered an unauthorized online gaming operation involving two minors. Police said the operation was conducted early Tuesday following a request for assistance from the mothers of two teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, who were reportedly staying at and frequently visiting an apartment in Barangay Anunas occupied by foreign nationals.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Station 4 of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) stated that officers arrived at around 2:30 a.m. and found one of the minors seated in front of a computer unit. 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 PHP500 per shift.

Investigators also discovered that the operation lacked necessary business permits and licenses. Several computer units and related equipment were seized as evidence. The three foreign nationals were taken into police custody. Efforts are underway to locate and arrest another individual believed to have recruited the minors, police said.

Police said the suspects could face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act) and Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act). Police Regional Office-Central Luzon chief Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez reiterated the PNP'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.