$1.9Mn cash seized in Philippine BPO raid

BATAAN, PHILIPPINES — Over PHP112 million (US$1.9 million) in cash was uncovered during a court-ordered raid at Central One Bataan PH, a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm in Bagac, Bataan.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) led the operation, alleging the company’s involvement in illegal offshore gaming operations.
The raid revealed 12 safety vaults containing PHP112.5 million (US$1.9 million), dollar bills amounting to US$170,000, and other foreign currencies, including Malaysian Ringgit and Singapore Dollars.
Specialized equipment from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) was used to access the vaults after company-provided codes failed.
Second raid adds to earlier cash seizure
This operation follows an October 2024 raid where two vaults containing PHP30 million (US$509,000) were seized. The latest search warrant was issued by Judge Hermenegildo Dumlao of the Regional Trial Court in Malolos City, Bulacan, as part of investigations into alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Authorities suspect the involvement of an individual known as “Boss Kalbo” or “Chinese Boss.”
In addition to cash, law enforcement confiscated foreign passports, security tokens, vouchers, and other documents.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo raised concerns about labor exploitation, questioning why the company held employees’ passports.
“If I were legitimately working there, these passports should be in my possession because these are individual passports. How come a company is withholding these passports? That will be subject to investigation,” she stated.
Central One Bataan denies allegations
Central One’s legal counsel, Don Chiong, denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the funds were intended for operational expenses such as salaries and supplier payments.
“We are here cooperating with the authorities… we are not hiding anything,” Chiong stated.
However, Fajardo dismissed this explanation, noting that modern payroll systems rarely involve large cash transactions. “Salaries today aren’t given in cash; it all goes through automated teller machines,” she argued.
PAGCOR clarifies jurisdiction over gaming operations
Earlier this week, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) clarified its regulatory authority over Central One Bataan following allegations of illegal gaming activities.
While Central One operates under the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), PAGCOR emphasized that online gaming activities fall under its jurisdiction. PAGCOR also confirmed that Central One is not licensed to conduct such operations.
Investigation ongoing
The confiscated cash and documents have been transferred to PNP headquarters in Camp Crame for safekeeping and further legal proceedings. Investigators continue to verify the origins of the funds and assess Central One’s compliance with regulatory requirements.