China to work with PH in crackdown on POGO-related crimes, says envoy

FILE PHOTO: Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines on Wednesday vowed to cooperate with the country’s law enforcement in cracking down crimes related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).said this after his meeting with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

“The Chinese side stands ready to step up law enforcement cooperation with the Philippine side so as to well protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines,” said Xilian in a statement.

“The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines will continue to strengthen communication and cooperation with the Philippine government and law enforcement agencies in particular in this regard, and handle deportation among other issues in a constructive manner,” he added.

Xilian explained that gambling in whatever form by Chinese citizens be it local or overseas is illegal, further condemning crimes associated with online gambling as it “not only harm China’s interests and China-Philippines relations, but also hurt the interests of the Philippines.”

Remulla, for his part, gave assurance that the Philippine law enforcement will continue its crackdown on illegal activities, and expect help on deportation among other issues from the Chinese side.

According to the Philippine National Police, the majority of kidnapping cases in 2022, 15 out of 29, are POGO-related.

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