Philippine News Agency
China appeals to PH: Ban POGOs
China is urging the Philippines to ban offshore gambling operations (POGOs) due to their association with crimes such as kidnapping, human trafficking, and murder.
The Chinese embassy stated that POGOs harm both Philippine and Chinese interests and reputations, with most victims being Chinese nationals.
Nearly 3,000 Chinese citizens have been implicated in POGO-related crimes, including telecom fraud, since 2018.
Following recent raids on POGO hubs in Pampanga and Tarlac, which led to the rescue of over 150 foreigners and the detention of numerous suspects, including Chinese citizens, calls for a Senate investigation have emerged.
In 2023 alone, China assisted the Philippines in shutting down five POGO hubs and repatriating nearly 1,000 Chinese citizens.
Philippine officials, including President Marcos Jr., share concerns about illegal POGOs, with the Defense Secretary identifying crime syndicates pretending as POGOs as a national security concern.
A bill has been proposed in the Philippines to outlaw these operations, though their future remains uncertain.
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Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives have filed House Bill 10525 seeking to ban Philippine Offshore Gambling Operations (POGOs) in the country, citing concerns over crime and corruption.
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Senators are renewing their call to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) after the discovery of People's Liberation Army (PLA) uniforms at a raided facility.
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Around 300 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are operating illegally in the Philippines, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
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The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is monitoring 58 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) allegedly operating with cancelled licenses.
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House Speaker Martin Romualdez is open to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operating in the country as long as they strictly adhere to Philippine laws.
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