More than 30 Chinese nationals were sent back to China from the Philippines on Thursday, Dec. 12, as government of both countries strengthened its efforts to rid of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations in the country.
The recent repatriates were the fourth batch of Chinese nationals engaged in POGOs that returned to their home country, according to the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
It then said it “will continue to strength law enforcement cooperation with the Philippine side and promote the orderly repatriation of relevant Chinese citizens while ensuring their legitimate rights and interests.”
In July 2024, President Marcos announced the country’s total ban on POGOs as they are already veering away from legal operations to “illicit” ones.
Prior to this, lawmakers had been calling for the total ban on POGOs, saying they were becoming a venue for criminal syndicates, money laundering and other criminal activities that led to torture, prostitution and kidnapping, among others.
As early as 2022, China already expressed its support for the Philippines' crackdown on POGOs.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said the Chinese government was willing to step up its law enforcement cooperation with the country in order not to "hurt the interests of the Philippines," but also to protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the country.
In succeeding statements, Beijing also reiterated that all forms of gambling, whether online or overseas, are illegal for Chinese nationals.