MANILA — The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Friday urged the Philippine government to ban Philippine offshore gaming operations in the country, most of which involve Chinese nationals.

“Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling. The Chinese government strictly cracks down on Chinese citizens engaging in gambling business abroad including POGO,” the embassy said, in response to a question about the recent crackdown on POGO hubs in the country.

“POGO is detrimental to both Philippine and Chinese interests and images as well as China-Philippines relations,” it also said, adding the Chinese government has been coordinating with Philippine authorities regarding Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities in the country.

The embassy also called on the government to ban POGOs to “root out this social ill”.

“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,” it said.

On June 4, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies raided the Lucky South 99 compound, which is believed to be three times bigger than the Baofu Compound in Bamban where two illegal POGOs used to operate. 

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