In a coordinated effort, over 30 Chinese nationals involved in offshore online gaming operations in the Philippines were sent back to China last Thursday. The operation, part of an ongoing law enforcement collaboration between the two countries, was confirmed by the Chinese embassy in Manila.
This latest repatriation marks the fourth such initiative since the Philippines announced earlier this year that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) must cease operations by the end of 2024. The Chinese embassy in Manila emphasized its commitment to “strengthen law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines and promote the orderly repatriation of relevant personnel [engaged in POGO activity],” while ensuring the protection of Chinese citizens’ legitimate rights.
Since July, when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared an end to POGO activities, approximately 360 Chinese nationals have been repatriated in connection with offshore online gambling. Marcos stated that POGOs, now replaced by Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), must wind down their operations by December 15.
A Chinese embassy spokesperson welcomed the ban, highlighting that Chinese law “prohibits all forms of gambling.”
Philippines Targets Underground Operators
Despite the crackdown, concerns remain about underground POGO operations continuing after the formal ban. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla vowed to address these challenges, stating, “Guerrilla (POGO) operations will (still) flourish, but we will go after them.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), the country’s gaming regulator, has announced plans to revoke the licenses of the remaining seven active POGOs by mid-December. This is a steep decline from the more than 300 licenses previously issued before the president’s directive.
The joint efforts between China and the Philippines aim to eliminate illegal gambling operations while addressing related economic and social issues.
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