Screenshot from the official website of the embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines

Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies jointly repatriated nearly 100 Chinese nationals engaged in offshore gambling in the Philippines on Tuesday, according to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Wednesday.

The embassy described the operation as another major step in China-Philippines law enforcement cooperation following the implementation of the Philippines' offshore gambling ban, underscoring both nations' commitment to eradicating offshore gambling.

The Chinese government remains firm in its crackdown on gambling and related crimes and continually urges Chinese nationals overseas to obey local laws and avoid illegal activities, the embassy stated.

The embassy urged the Philippine side to address the longstanding issues associated with offshore gambling promptly. China remains open to cooperation with the Philippines in tackling crime and calls for fair law enforcement to safeguard the rights of Chinese nationals.

Previously, Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies jointly repatriated nearly 200 Chinese citizens engaged in offshore gambling in the Philippines, marking a major milestone in China-Philippines law enforcement cooperation following the Philippines' announcement of a total ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators, said the Chinese Embassy on December 5, 2024. The successful operation reaffirmed both nations' resolve to combat offshore gambling and transnational crime. 

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos ordered a ban on widespread online gaming operations in the Philippines in July 2024, saying these activities venture into crimes, including financial scams, human trafficking, torture, kidnapping, and murder, according to Xinhua News Agency.

As of November 29, 2024, the Presidential Communications Office said the government had canceled 53,700 offshore gaming employment licenses, reported Xinhua.

Global Times