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Chinese flags wave with Philippine flags along Roxas Boulevard in Manila on November 19, 2018. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File



Article (news)

Bea Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

<p> MANILA — A hundred Chinese nationals were deported to Shanghai, China on Tuesday morning as part of the ongoing efforts by Philippine authorities to dismantle illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) and scam hubs in the country.</p><p>The deportation is a joint effort of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).</p><p>Authorities said these individuals were apprehended during operations in various locations, including Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, Silang in Cavite, Parañaque City, and Pasay City, since last year.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/9/at-least-9-000-chinese-pogo-workers-still-in-ph-paocc-1545">At least 9,000 Chinese POGO workers still in PH: PAOCC</a></div><p>The operations targeted establishments allegedly involved in illegal offshore gaming and other fraudulent activities.</p><p>“Na-establish na natin talagang kahit saan sa Pilipinas may mga nag-ooperate pa rin ng POGO,” noted Undersecretary Gilberto Cruz, executive director of PAOCC.  </p><p>Cruz lauded the strong coordination with the Chinese embassy, which facilitated the deportation by covering the travel expenses of the deported individuals.</p><p>He added that the Chinese authorities were appreciative of the Philippines’ efforts in combating scamming activities that victimize their citizens, with victims reportedly reaching almost a thousand.</p><p>“Natutuwa po sila kasi yung sa coordination na ginagawa ng Pilipinas dahil po natutulungan po natin yung bansa nila,” Cruz said.</p><p>With the latest batch, the total number of deported POGO workers has reached around 4,000, he said. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>MORE DEPORTATIONS</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Cruz said more deportations were expected in the coming months, potentially involving around a hundred more individuals.</p><p>Initially, 106 Chinese nationals were slated for deportation. </p><p>However, Cruz said that discrepancies in identities and pending cases led to a slight reduction in the number.</p><p>He pointed out the challenge of dealing with foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens, who sometimes use multiple names.</p><p>“Normal sa kanila yung gumagamit ng tatlong pangalan… Chinese name and then dun kami nagkakagulo,” Cruz said.</p><p>Meanwhile, one Filipina wife of a deported Chinese national said, “Susunod naman po kami ngayong buwan na &#x27;to eh papunta na din po kaming China pero mahirap lang po kasi di niya (son) makikita yung tatay niya kaagad.”</p><p>Her 6-month-old son will be temporarily separated from his father.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>CRUZ TO MEET WITH CHINESE COUNTERPARTS</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Cruz is personally joining this deportation trip and is scheduled to meet with Chinese counterparts.</p><p>He said the PAOCC received a personal invitation due to the positive developments in the Philippine government’s crackdown on illegal gambling operations and POGOs.</p><p>“Natutuwa sila diyan kasi nga aside sa natutulungan natin sila in terms of marami tayong nahuhuli na POGO workers na scammers eh napipigil din natin yung iba pang nabibiktima sakanila,” said Cruz.</p><p>The upcoming meeting will focus on strengthening investigative efforts against these transnational crimes, particularly complex cases involving money laundering.</p><p>Cruz expressed the Philippines’ interest in “skills and capacity building” with their Chinese law enforcement counterparts to enhance the fight against illegal activities.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>OTHER NEWS: </strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/noGA_Y_GmZY?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>A hundred Chinese nationals were deported to Shanghai, China on Tuesday morning, as part of the ongoing efforts by Philippine authorities to dismantle illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) and scam hubs in the country.</p>

A hundred Chinese nationals were deported to Shanghai, China on Tuesday morning, as part of the ongoing efforts by Philippine authorities to dismantle illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) and scam hubs in the country.

100 Chinese nationals deported to Shanghai in illegal gambling crackdown

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100 Chinese nationals deported to Shanghai in illegal gambling crackdown

Bea Cuadra,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 17, 2025 09:42 AM PHT

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POGO

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