China threatens to cancel thousands of POGO workers' passports

The Chinese Ministry of Public Safety warned that thousands of Chinese nationals working for Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) were at risk of having their passports canceled over their suspected involvement in illegal activities.

According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion on Monday, the ministry had the names of Chinese nationals allegedly involved in what it referred to as cross-border telecommunications fraud across the globe.

The ministry had a list of these Chinese suspects who were working for POGO firms.

The Bureau of Immigration was working with the Chinese Embassy in dealing with the Chinese workers on the said list.

“Ang procedure po niyan, 'pag nagka-cancel po sila ng passport ng mga alien fugitives po nila, fino-forward po sa atin para mailalagay for monitoring. Kung nandito sila sa bansa, huhulihin natin for deportation,” Immigration Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said.

The Chinese Government also reminded its nationals to obey Philippine laws amid the controversy surrounding the “pastillas” scheme that allowed them to breeze through the immigration process for a P10,000 fee.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which licenses POGO firms, said it was still possible for them to shut down POGO operations in the country.

“Kung makita natin na despite all the efforts na ginagawa hindi talaga natin maalis o talagang hard to accept yung industry dito sa Philippines, then PAGCOR is very much willing to shut down the operations of POGO,” said PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for Offshore Gaming and Licensing Department Jose Tria Jr.

PAGCOR data showed that of 91,000 foreign POGO workers, majority were Chinese nationals.

Meanwhile, 29,000 Filipinos benefited from the industry. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News