Philippines Reconsiders Chinese Visa-Free Entry after Illegal Pogo Raids
'The Department of Foreign Affairs will examine whether this policy is causing problems" said an official spokesperson
Visa-free access for Chinese visitors to the Philippines is under fresh scrutiny after a series of raids on suspected illegal offshore gaming sites prompted officials to examine whether the travel scheme is being abused.
According to local reporting, Malacañang press officer Claire Castro said the Department of Foreign Affairs had been asked to assess the 14-day arrangement and determine whether it is creating security risks.
She said the review would focus on whether the policy was being used to facilitate crime, adding, “The DFA will examine whether this policy is causing problems—such as contributing to the commission of crimes here in the Philippines—or leading to other adverse effects. “
Raids Drive Security Review
The review follows enforcement operations in Zamboanga Sibugay and Makati City that led to plans to deport 101 foreign nationals, including 82 Chinese citizens, per local reporting.
According to reports from the briefing, authorities believe some of those detainees entered under the visa-free regime.
Castro also said the government was determined to keep pressure on remaining illicit gaming networks, stating: “The President’s order is to stop these illegal activities. Whatever unlawful acts are committed within Philippine territory must be investigated, perpetrators held accountable, and operations sustained until all such criminal activities are fully eliminated.”
