China reiterates appeal for Phl to ban POGOS

Banned in China, offshore gaming should also be prohibited in the Philippines where many Chinese citizens have become hooked on it and ended up as victims of the social ill, China’s embassy said yesterday.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

In a statement, the Chinese embassy appealed to Manila to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators and refrain from making “baseless” accusations against China regarding illegal activities of POGOs.

“We appeal to the Philippines to ban POGO at an early date so as to root out this social ill. And we firmly oppose any baseless accusation and smearing against China in connection with POGO,” the embassy said.

It assured Manila that as it has done so in the past, China will be working closely with Philippine authorities to stop illegal gambling operations that spawn other criminal activities.

“The vast majority of the Chinese citizens involved in these cases are victims of the Philippine offshore gambling industry. The Chinese government is committed to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens,” it added.

The Chinese embassy noted that ample evidence shows that POGO breeds serious crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, human trafficking and murder.

“POGO is detrimental to both Philippine and Chinese interests and images as well as China-Philippines relations,” the statement stressed.