84 Chinese POGO workers repatriated to China

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 84 Chinese caught in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs in the country were repatriated to China yesterday.

Gilbert Cruz, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) executive director, said the foreigners, 75 men and nine women, were transported to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where they boarded a flight for Beijing.

“These individuals were apprehended during previous law enforcement operations targeting scam hubs,” Cruz said in a message on Viber.

Cruz said the foreigners were arrested from raided POGO hubs Zun Yuan Technology in Bamban, Tarlac; 3D Analyzer Information Tech in Pasay City; Dayign Leisure Guodian Technology in Parañaque City and a makeshift scam farm in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

He said the repatriation of the foreigners is part of PAOCC’s efforts to expedite the removal of over 1,000 foreigners linked to illegal offshore gaming activities who were rounded up in law enforcement operations.

Once they arrive in China, Cruz said the foreigners would be investigated by the Chinese government on their participation in illegal activities in the Philippines.

He said the foreigners are scared of being brought back to China as they would not be treated as victims and could end up facing criminal cases.