PAGCOR urges POGO operators to surrender illegal workers, fugitives

MANILA - The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) urged operators of Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) to cooperate with authorities and surrender illegal workers with criminal liabilities.

This, after the Chinese embassy in Manila said it has identified its citizens suspected of committing telecommunications fraud abroad.

"The state-run gaming agency is continuously working with concerned agencies like the Department of Justice for the creation of an operations center where all problems related to illegal gambling and cybercrimes will be coursed through. With this shared effort, PAGCOR can be ensured that all operations being made by the law enforcement agencies are in accordance with the law," PAGCOR said in a statement.

PAGCOR also welcomed the said crackdown on illegal Chinese workers and fugitives in the country, adding it has been closely coordinating with Chinese authorities to track down Chinese nationals with criminal records.

"The crackdown is a result of PAGCOR’s constant coordination with the Chinese embassy and law enforcement agencies to ensure that proper regulations are observed," it said.

• China cracks down on nationals committing fraud abroad: embassy
• China reportedly cancels Chinese POGO workers’ passports

Thousands of Chinese nationals work in the POGO industry in light of the illegality of online gaming in China.

The influx of Chinese workers, however, brought about such problems as tax violations, kidnapping, prostitution, and more recently, bribery allegedly involving Philippine immigration personnel.

According to the embassy, relevant Philippine and Chinese agencies have cooperated on law enforcement activities.