PH Police Says Chinese Are Involved in POGO Scams

Amid increasing concerns over the presence of clandestine forces allegedly backed by China in the Philippines, the nation has intensified multi-agency efforts to address these suspicions. 

Benjamin Acorda Jnr, the head of the Philippines’ national police, confirmed that some individuals have been detained in connection with ongoing investigations.

While these recent developments have raised alarm among law enforcement authorities, the existence of sleeper cells purportedly operated by foreign entities has yet to be conclusively verified. 

Keeping An Eye On China

Senior police officer Jose Melencio Corpus Nartatez Jnr emphasized the involvement of foreign nationals, predominantly Chinese and Taiwanese individuals with links to the offshore gambling industry in the Philippines, commonly referred to as Pogos.

In response to these allegations, the Chinese embassy in Manila categorically dismissed the claims, characterizing them as an attempt to stoke racial hatred and foster anti-Chinese sentiment. The embassy clarified that it viewed these allegations as isolated incidents and vehemently condemned baseless accusations.

This reaction comes in the wake of the arrest of two Chinese nationals who were found in possession of high-powered firearms during a recent police raid in eastern Manila. While initial reports associated the suspects with a “destabilization plot,” a senior official from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) refuted this theory.

The Chinese embassy reiterated China’s adherence to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations and expressed its commitment to collaborating with Philippine law enforcement authorities to jointly combat transnational criminal activities.

Keep Reading

POGOs: Gambling Scandal

The offshore gambling industry, known as Pogos, in the Philippines has been mired in numerous issues, leading to significant operational challenges. Factors such as the ongoing pandemic, heightened tax burdens, and intensified law enforcement measures have compelled many Pogos to consider relocating. 

In response, Beijing has repeatedly cautioned Chinese nationals against working within the Philippine Pogos, citing a range of criminal activities that have arisen, including cryptocurrency scams, kidnappings, and homicides. Notably, police data has shown that over 4,000 Pogo-related crimes, spanning cases of kidnapping and human trafficking, were reported in the first half of the year.

As the situation unfolds, both the Philippines and China continue to investigate these alleged clandestine activities, traversing a complex diplomatic landscape. The unique nature of these events reflects the intricate dynamics surrounding national security and foreign interests.

Jasmine C.

Mabuhay! An upcoming Newswriter for the Asian Affairs from the Pearl of the Orient - Philippines. Avid follower of celebrity gossips, fashion news. I got into writing so that my fellow Kababayan will be constantly updated with the latest news.

Recent Posts

Indonesia Extends Sales Ban to Google Pixel Following Non-Compliance with Investment Requirements

Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry has implemented a ban on the sale of Google Pixel phones within the country, adding to…

November 4, 2024

One Piece Unveils Revamped Fish-Man Island Saga with New Opening Theme as Anime Prepares for 2025 Return

One Piece offers a new take of the legendary Fish-Man Island arc, so fans are in for a nostalgic trip…

November 4, 2024

Johor to Pioneer Premium Salaries for Skilled Workers as Malaysia’s First State Initiative under Johor-Singapore SEZ

Particularly in areas related to the forthcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Johor is poised to become the first state…

November 4, 2024

China-Japan Diplomatic Groundwork Laid Ahead of Anticipated Xi-Ishiba Summit in South America

China and Japan are getting ready for what would be a historic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and freshly…

November 4, 2024

Philippines Triumphs with Fifth Consecutive East Asia Baseball Cup Title

Celebrating their fifth straight East Asia Baseball Cup title, the Philippines men's baseball team savored a historic triumph. Sunday in…

November 4, 2024

Japan’s Bold “Conveyor Belt Road” to Solve Truck Driver Shortages with Automated Cargo Transport

Officially known as an "auto flow road," the government of Japan has presented plans for a revolutionary "conveyor belt road,"…

November 3, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More