PH, China renew commitment vs Pogo-related crimes

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine and Chinese governments renewed their commitment to work together in combating crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said on Tuesday.

The PAOCC made the pronouncement after a meeting between its chairperson Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian on Monday, July 1.

According to the PAOCC, Xilian expressed China’s appreciation for the actions taken by Philippine law enforcers against the illegal activities of Pogos, which resulted in the rescue of several Chinese nationals.

The PAOCC noted that the Chinese embassy was actively collaborating and maintaining open communication channels with its Philippine counterparts throughout the apprehension of people behind Pogo-related crimes.

“The strengthened cooperation between China and the Philippines sends a clear message to criminal syndicates operating across borders that their malicious activities will not be tolerated nor allowed to undermine the security and stability of these nations,” the PAOCC said.

“It also paves the way for the exchange of expertise, intelligence sharing, and collaborations, enabling the authorities on both sides to effectively disrupt and dismantle criminal networks,” it added.

The PAOCC has been carrying out raids on Pogos with the help of other government law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police.

READ: PAOCC staff, Pogo witnesses get death threats, says official

Just recently, a Pogo raid in Angeles City, Pamapanga resulted in the apprehension of 190 people.

Another raid in Bamban, Tarlac led to the rescue of 499 foreign workers.

READ: Over 800 Filipinos, foreign Pogo workers rescued in Tarlac raid