Nearly 30 Chinese citizens engaged in offshore gambling in the Philippines are repatriated under bilateral cooperation. Photo: Chinese Embassy in the Philippines

Law enforcement authorities from China and the Philippines once again jointly conducted the repatriation of nearly 30 Chinese suspects back to China who were engaged in offshore gambling in the Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines announced on Thursday. 

This is the first operation through bilateral law enforcement cooperation between the two sides after Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos announced a ban on all offshore gambling in the Philippines on July 22, according to the embassy. 

The embassy will continue to work closely with Philippine law enforcement departments to address related issues, and facilitate the orderly repatriation of individuals involved while protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals, said the embassy.

On May 14, 2024, law enforcement departments of both countries worked together to repatriate more than 160 Chinese nationals involved in offshore gambling in the Philippines. On February 22, more than 40 Chinese nationals engaged in offshore gambling in the Philippines were repatriated, according to the embassy.
 
After Philippine President Marcos ordered the ban, the Chinese Embassy responded in a statement that “We believe this decision echoes the call of the Philippine people and serves the common interests of people of both countries.” 

Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling. The Chinese government strictly cracks down on Chinese engaging in overseas gambling businesses including offshore gambling. The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator breeds serious crimes and gravely undermines the interests of both Philippine and Chinese peoples, said the embassy.

Global Times