China thanks Philippines after 115 Chinese Pogo-linked suspects are repatriated
China has thanked the Philippines for assisting in the repatriation of 115 Chinese nationals arrested during separate operations targeting suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila confirmed that Chinese and Philippine law enforcement authorities jointly carried out the repatriation on November 6. The embassy described the operation as another significant achievement in bilateral efforts to combat transnational crime.
The deportation involved 62 Chinese nationals apprehended in Zamboanga Sibugay and another 53 arrested in Cubao, Quezon City, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The individuals were flown to China aboard a chartered China Southern Airlines flight CZ5308, which departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that the deportations followed the issuance of summary deportation orders by its Board of Commissioners.
Two October raids led to the deportations
The 115 deportees were arrested during separate enforcement operations in October targeting suspected illegal offshore gaming and online scam activities. The first operation took place on October 2 in Zamboanga Sibugay, where authorities apprehended 244 foreign nationals during simultaneous raids in the municipalities of Siay and Alicia.
The Bureau of Immigration conducted the operation alongside the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Authorities reported recovering computer equipment, approximately 3,000 mobile phones, laptops and SIM cards from the raided facilities.
The second operation occurred on October 12 at a suspected POGO-related facility in Barangay Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City. Authorities apprehended 76 foreign nationals, including 74 Chinese nationals and two (2) Myanmar nationals. The facility was allegedly being used for online scamming activities.
The subsequent deportation of 115 Chinese nationals represents the outcome of immigration proceedings involving individuals from the two operations. The arrests and deportation orders should not, by themselves, be interpreted as criminal convictions for online fraud or other alleged offenses.
China highlights more than 2,600 repatriations since 2023
In acknowledging the Philippines' assistance, the Chinese Embassy said cooperation between the two countries had resulted in the repatriation of more than 2,600 suspects since 2023 (Source: PhilStar).
The embassy reiterated China's commitment to combating transnational crimes, including gambling and fraud, and expressed its willingness to continue working with Philippine law enforcement authorities.
It also said continued cooperation would help safeguard orderly personnel exchanges and economic and trade relations between the two countries.
The latest operation reflects an ongoing enforcement relationship between the two governments, particularly in addressing criminal activities associated with illegal offshore gaming operations.
China has consistently opposed its nationals participating in gambling activities abroad and has previously called for stronger action against offshore gaming operations linked to criminal activity.
Anti-POGO enforcement continues under Philippine law
The deportations come as the Philippines continues implementing its nationwide prohibition on offshore gaming operations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the ban in July 2024, with Executive Order No. 74 directing licensed POGOs and related offshore gaming operations to wind down by December 31, 2024.
The prohibition was subsequently institutionalised through Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, signed on October 23, 2025. The legislation declares offshore gaming operations in the Philippines unlawful and prohibits activities supporting their establishment and operation.
The Department of Justice and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission formally signed the law's implementing rules and regulations in August 2026, establishing a further framework for enforcement against illegal offshore gaming and associated criminal activities.
Despite the nationwide prohibition, authorities continue to uncover suspected illegal gaming operations and facilities allegedly used for online scams. The October raids in Zamboanga Sibugay and Quezon City demonstrate the continuing enforcement challenges facing Philippine agencies.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has pledged to strengthen coordination with domestic and international law enforcement partners to address illegal POGO operations, online scams and other transnational crimes.
Continued cooperation remains central to the anti-POGO campaign
China's acknowledgement of Philippine assistance underscores the importance of cross-border law enforcement cooperation in addressing criminal activities linked to illegal offshore gaming operations.
While the latest repatriation removes 115 Chinese nationals from the country following immigration proceedings, the broader enforcement effort continues to involve investigations into suspected scam facilities, the identification of individuals involved and coordination between Philippine agencies and international partners.
With the Anti-POGO Act now providing the legal framework for the nationwide prohibition, further enforcement operations are likely to remain an important part of the Philippines' efforts to prevent illegal offshore gaming activities from re-establishing themselves.
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Sources
iNQUIRER.net
Chinese Embassy in Manila
PhilStar
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