The Philippines and China have reaffirmed their commitment to combat crimes related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
In a recent series of meetings, both nations discussed increasing collaboration and cooperation to address the escalating issues associated with POGOs, including human trafficking and other criminal activities.
The Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Chinese Embassy agreed to enhance their partnership, focusing on a more effective crackdown on illegal POGO operations.
The meeting comes just days after a confrontation on June 17th between China Coast Guard personnel and Filipino troops en route to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
Authorites from the two nations reviewed the legal and regulatory frameworks governing POGOs in the Philippines, aiming to strengthen enforcement mechanisms against illegal activities.
The Chinese government has expressed its support for the Philippines’ efforts to regulate POGOs more strictly and has committed to assisting in the deportation of Chinese nationals involved in illegal POGO operations​.
According to local media, the PAOCC chief emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that POGO-related crimes have led to numerous social problems, including increased rates of kidnapping, prostitution, and human trafficking.
These crimes have been largely attributed to organized crime syndicates exploiting the POGO industry, with the promised collaboration seeking to dismantle these networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
The Chinese Embassy, in a statement, reiterated its commitment to support the Philippines in maintaining social order and ensuring that Chinese nationals adhere to the local laws. This includes working closely with Philippine authorities to track and apprehend Chinese citizens involved in illegal activities related to POGOs.
The embassy also assured that it would continue to facilitate the repatriation of Chinese nationals found guilty of such crimes​.
The issue of POGO-related crimes has been a significant concern for both countries, with the Philippines recently deporting Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities.
Both nations are set to implement more robust measures and continue their dialogue to ensure sustained progress in this area. These measures are expected to include joint operations, intelligence sharing, and stricter monitoring of POGO activities.
