Senator Risa Hontiveros has called on the Philippine government to ensure that deported foreigners involved in transnational criminal activities are permanently barred from re-entering the country.
Hontiveros made this statement following a meeting between Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) chairman Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian. The discussion centered on the ongoing crackdown against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The senator highlighted that many transnational syndicates linked to POGOs are composed of Chinese nationals. Thus, she emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Philippine and Chinese governments to combat these illicit activities.
“The ES and the ambassador should have also discussed ways to ensure that criminals deported back to China do not ever step foot on our shores again, especially since we are seeing increasing alarming evidence globally that these criminals also sometimes work for the Chinese State,” Hontiveros stated in a press release.
Hontiveros has been vocal in condemning crimes associated with illegal POGO hubs and expressed confidence in Bersamin’s ability to address this issue.
“I have trust that our ES would be careful on this matter. We must not allow our country to be a destination for spying or for crimes,” she added.
On July 1, Bersamin and Huang met to explore ways to enhance their partnership in fighting transnational criminal activities. The PAOCC mentioned that China appreciates the recent efforts by Philippine law enforcement to combat illegal offshore gambling and rescue several Chinese nationals.
The Philippine government continues to investigate illegal POGO operations, with authorities conducting a series of raids on POGO hubs. These operations have led to the rescue of torture and kidnapping victims and the discovery of equipment used for alleged criminal activities.