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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider China willing to work with PH vs crimes

China willing to work with PH vs crimes

Published Feb 21, 2025 11:41 pm

At A Glance

  • Guo stressed that the Chinese government is committed to cracking down on gambling and related crimes.

China has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the Philippines in combatting crimes, particularly those related to offshore gambling operations.

Guo Jiakun_PRC.jpg
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun (file)

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said this following the recent arrest of over 450 individuals, including 137 Chinese nationals, in Manila.

The raid targeted an allegedly Chinese-run offshore gaming operator suspected of running scam operations focused on sports betting and investment fraud.

In a presser on Friday, Feb. 21, Guo stressed that the Chinese government is committed to cracking down on gambling and related crimes.

He reiterated Beijing’s consistent position of urging Chinese nationals abroad to strictly follow local laws and refrain from illegal activities.

"We urge the Philippines to completely eradicate the scourge inflicted by offshore gambling as soon as possible," Guo said.

The Chinese official expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with Philippine authorities in addressing criminal activities linked to such operations while asking the latter to conduct its operations in a just manner.

"China stands ready to work with the Philippines to jointly combat crimes," Guo said.

"We also call on the Philippines to conduct law enforcement in a just manner and ensure the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals in the Philippines," he added.

The recent raid in Manila was conducted amid increasing concerns about the role of offshore gaming operators in illegal activities.

Initial findings suggest that the Manila-based operation targeted victims in China and India through fraudulent schemes.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said they have arrested around "five Chinese bosses" who now face potential trafficking charges.

"This raid proves that the previous POGO workers are still trying to continue their scamming activities despite the ban," PAOCC chief Gilberto Cruz told AFP.

China has consistently taken a strong stance against offshore gambling, citing its negative impact on Chinese citizens and its links to criminal activities. It has been urging Southeast Asian nations to crack down on such operations.

In previous years, the Philippine government has taken steps to regulate the offshore gaming industry, particularly Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). It even banned its operations last year. However, concerns about crime and illegal activities persist.

China has repeatedly called for stronger enforcement against illegal gambling, viewing it as a major threat to its citizens. The Chinese government has worked closely with various countries to dismantle cross-border criminal networks.

Related Tags

PH-China POGO ILLEGAL GAMBLING
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