Q: According to media reports, a Chinese citizen is under arrest by the Philippine police following a raid on April 14 during which guns and other contraband are seized. Preliminary investigation shows that the case is linked with POGO, according to the Philippine police. What is the Embassy’s comment on this?

A: Gambling in any form is illegal according to the law of China. And the Chinese Government opposes and cracks down on Chinese nationals engaging in the gambling business abroad in accordance with law. The Chinese Government always requires its citizens overseas to abide by local laws and regulations. Gambling is a social menace. Chinese people are victims of offshore gambling. The Chinese Embassy stays in communication with the Philippine law enforcement agencies on offences related to POGO, and supports the Philippine side in addressing the root causes of the problem arising from the offshore gambling industry.