Photo: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Philippines

Law enforcement authorities from China and the Philippines once again jointly conducted the repatriation of some 30 Chinese citizens back to China who were engaged in offshore gambling in the Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines announced on Thursday. 

This is the fourth batch of Chinese national repatriation implemented through the law-enforcement cooperation between China and the Philippines, since the Philippine government announced a ban on all offshore gambling in the country. 

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said it stands ready to continue law-enforcement cooperation with the Philippines and push forward orderly repatriation based on the protection of Chinese citizens’ legitimates rights and interests. 

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr issued a formal order banning companies collectively known as Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs, three months after first giving the directive during his July 22 State of the Nation Address, local media reported on November 9.

Dated November 5, the President’s Executive Order (EO) 74 cited national security and public order as the paramount reasons for closing down POGOs, which began to thrive during the previous administration but had increasingly been linked to organized crime, per the local media.

According to the EO, POGOs including “internet gaming licensees” and other offshore gaming-related operations — are to wind up their affairs and cease operations in the country by December 31, 2024.

On December 5, law enforcement authorities of China and the Philippines worked together to repatriate nearly 200 Chinese citizens engaged in offshore gambling in the Philippines, marking another significant move in law enforcement cooperation between China and the Philippines following the Philippines’ announcement of a total ban on POGOs, accordign to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines. 

The successful operation has showed once again the determination of the two countries in cracking down on offshore gambling and trans-border crimes, the Embassy said.

Global Times