The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has again called on the Philippine government to ban its offshore gaming industry, claiming that the “vast majority” of Chinese citizens involved in their operations are victims.
In an official statement attributed to a spokesperson, the embassy also denied any involvement in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry after uniforms of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force were discovered during a raid on a POGO compound in Pampanga earlier this month.
“We appeal to the Philippines to ban POGO at an early date so as to root out this social ill,” the statement said. “And we firmly oppose any baseless accusation and smearing against China in connection with POGO.”
The statement went on to say, “Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling. The Chinese government strictly cracks down on Chinese citizens engaging in gambling business abroad including POGO. Ample evidence shows that POGO breeds serious crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, human trafficking and murder. POGO is detrimental to both Philippine and Chinese interests and images as well as China-Philippines relations.
“In recent years, the Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies have maintained close communication and cooperation and conducted multiple joint operations to bring down cross-border gambling and telecom fraud. Since 2018, nearly 3000 Chinese citizens implicated in the cases have been repatriated with joint efforts of both sides. In the past year alone, China has assisted the Philippines in shutting down five POGO hubs and repatriated nearly 1000 Chinese citizens.
“The vast majority of the Chinese citizens involved in these cases are victims of the Philippine offshore gambling industry. The Chinese government is committed to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens.”
Despite calls for the offshore gaming industry, last year rebranded as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), to be shut down, gaming regulator PAGCOR continues to resist and last week outlined its stance that it is organized crime syndicates, not licensed IGLs, that pose a threat to national security.
PAGCOR also warned that banning IGLs won’t solve the problem but will instead drive more operators underground.
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