Philippines' Offshore Gambling Clampdown Receives Support from Chinese Embassy

The Chinese Embassy in Manila Sides with the Philippines Against Illegal Offshore Gambling

The Chinese Embassy has lent its backing to the Philippines in the fight against offshore gambling operations, particularly those linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The support came after a series of arrests of Chinese nationals, involving illegal possession of firearms and attempted bribery.

Gambling: A Multifaceted Issue

The Chinese Embassy has aligned itself with the Philippines' law enforcement in tackling the underlying causes of problems stemming from the offshore gambling industry. It reiterated that gambling is illegal in mainland China and expressed disapproval of its citizens engaging in such activities abroad. The embassy pledged to support ongoing efforts to eradicate these practices.

Recent occurrences featuring Chinese nationals have underscored the challenges that offshore gambling presents. In a case in Taguig City, authorities confiscated high-powered firearms, ammunition, and illicit goods from a Chinese national. Another Chinese individual was nabbed for attempting bribery to secure the release of arrested individuals.

The Chinese Embassy maintains open dialogues with Philippine law enforcement agencies regarding offenses linked to POGOs and supports the Philippines in addressing the root causes of the issue.

Describing gambling as a social hazard, the embassy stressed that Chinese citizens often fall prey to offshore gambling. Adhering to its commitment to upholding the rule of law, the Chinese government consistently exhorts its nationals to comply with local laws and regulations. Yet, unlicensed entities continue to evade detection and sustain their illegal operations.

Joint Efforts to Combat Illegal Activities

The Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported a significant jump in the exclusion of foreign nationals, with 76 Chinese citizens among the 401 individuals prohibited from entering the Philippines due to immigration violations. Most of these rejections were associated with suspicions of involvement in illegal online gaming hubs.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco outlined the agency's proactive actions, utilizing intelligence information and patterns of prior arrests to intercept potential violators. Those barred from entering are swiftly repatriated to their home countries. Meanwhile, individuals deemed likely to become a public burden are added to the BI's blacklist to impede future entry attempts.

"We study patterns of past arrests, as well as the travel histories of other intercepted aliens. We use this pattern to flag potential violators," said Tansingco.

The combined efforts between Philippine authorities and international partners, including the Chinese government, signify a united front in combating illegal gambling activities and ensuring public safety. As the crackdown on offshore gambling persists, all parties remain vigilant in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by this clandestine industry.

Sources:

[1] South China Morning Post: "Chinese Embassy's role in shutdown of Philippine gaming hubs sparks diplomatic backlash." Accessed March 13, 2023.

[2] Rappler.com: "Chinese Embassy warns against harassment, mistreatment of Chinese nationals in PH." Accessed March 13, 2023.

[3] INQUIRER.net: "NBI nabs Chinese POGO owner, seven others in Palawan." Accessed March 13, 2023.

[4] ABS-CBN News: "Bureau of Immigration posts blacklist of Chinese nationals, POGO employees." Accessed March 13, 2023.

[5] GMA Network: "Philippine, Chinese officials coordinate crackdown on illegal gaming hubs." Accessed March 13, 2023.

Insights:

The Chinese government has taken a mixed stance on supporting the Philippines in addressing offshore gambling operations, signifying both cooperation and concern.
Cooperation between China and the Philippines includes deporting Chinese nationals involved in illegal POGO activities and efforts to combat organized crime linked to these operation.
The Chinese Embassy issued warnings to its citizens about the treatment of Chinese nationals in the Philippines, showing vigilance over their safety.
The closure of POGOs impacts public welfare by aiming to reduce crime but also poses economic challenges as the industry declines. The shutdown of POGOs has significant economic implications, as the industry once employed over 100,000 foreigners, mostly Chinese. Many foreign workers have faced visa downgrades or cancellations, which affects not only the workers themselves but also the broader economy.
The Chinese government's stance on these issues affects diplomatic relations with the Philippines. The Chinese Embassy's involvement in spreading pro-Beijing narratives, including around POGO-related issues, highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
The Chinese Embassy, in concert with the Philippines, is actively addressing issues arising from the offshore gambling industry, including backing law enforcement efforts to apprehend entities involved in illicit activities.
In line with this, the Chinese government has cautioned its citizens against participating in offshore gambling due to its illegality in their country and the associated public safety concerns.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has taken proactive measures to monitor and block individuals involved in illegal online gaming hubs, as evidenced by the exclusion of 76 Chinese citizens among 401 foreigners found to have violated immigration laws.
Efforts to combat illegal activities are fostering a united front between the Philippines and international partners, including the Chinese government, in safeguarding general news items relating to crime and justice.