Nearly 200 Chinese Nationals Employed by POGOs Repatriated

Close to 200 Chinese nationals involved in offshore online gaming operations in the Philippines were sent back to China on Thursday, according to a joint initiative by law enforcement agencies from both nations. The Chinese Embassy in Manila shared this update, emphasizing the cooperative progress made in addressing illegal offshore gaming activities.

In its Thursday statement, the Chinese Embassy highlighted this operation as a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between China and the Philippines to curb such activities.

Back in July, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), now referred to as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), would need to cease operations in the country by the end of the year. Following this declaration, a representative from the Chinese Embassy described the decision as a “welcome development,” citing China’s strict prohibition on all forms of gambling.

Since then, the Chinese Embassy has facilitated the return of several citizens involved in offshore gaming operations. Previous updates in August and September noted that a total of around 130 Chinese nationals had already been repatriated.

In November, President Marcos issued an executive order banning all offshore gaming activities in the Philippines. This ban extends to current operators, license applications, renewals, closures, and unauthorized operations. The order cited the “high reputational risks” linked to POGOs and IGLs, stating that their presence undermines the country’s efforts to position itself as a secure and sustainable destination for investment and tourism.

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