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The recent arrest of a 21-year-old Chinese national for using false documents to apply for a Philippine passport in Davao has intensified the debate over the influx of Chinese workers in the country's illegal offshore gaming sector. The suspect, identified as Hengson Jabilles Limosnero, was found with a fake birth certificate and additional forged documents, including a driving license and national ID card. He used these to enroll in an accountancy course at Ateneo de Davao University.
Arcelito Albao, the National Bureau of Investigation regional director, stated that Limosnero is one of 200 Chinese nationals who obtained fake birth certificates from Santa Cruz town.
The case has highlighted broader issues with the Philippine government's system for managing foreign nationals. Beleno emphasized the need for stricter scrutiny of all foreign nationals, not just Chinese.
In response to these incidents and the discovery of fraudulent immigration applications, the Department of Foreign Affairs implemented stricter visa controls for Chinese nationals in May.
The Pogo sector, which exploits the Philippines' liberal gaming laws to attract Chinese patrons, has been linked to numerous crimes, including trafficking, kidnapping, and prostitution. The sector emerged in 2016 and at its peak employed over 300,000 Chinese workers. China has repeatedly warned its citizens against working in Pogos due to the associated risks.
During a recent Senate hearing, Alejandro Tengco, head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), announced a ban on Pogo hubs to curb related crimes. While existing licensed firms will remain operational, Pagcor will enforce stricter monitoring to prevent human trafficking and other criminal activities.
From January 2017 to mid-2023, police recorded over 4,000 Pogo-linked crimes. Some lawmakers are advocating for a total ban on the industry, which generates significant revenue but poses substantial security risks.
Source: SCMP
