Updated

The Philippines' immigration chief says 1,240 Chinese nationals suspected of working illegally in the country for an online gambling operator have been arrested at a resort and casino complex north of Manila.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said Friday that their documents were being checked based on reports they illegally entered and worked in the country.

A preliminary report from the immigration bureau says the Chinese were working as call center agents for an illegal online gambling operator at the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark Freeport, a former U.S.-run air base north of Manila.

They are temporarily being held under guard by immigration and police personnel in a building within the leisure park.