Philippines reviews Chinese visa-free entry after illegal Pogo raids

The Philippines has asked its Department of Foreign Affairs to assess the 14-day visa-free arrangement for Chinese visitors, Malacañang press officer Claire Castro said, according to local reporting. Castro said the review would examine whether the policy is being used to facilitate crime or is causing other adverse effects.

The review was prompted by raids carried out in Zamboanga Sibugay and Makati City, which resulted in moves to expel 101 foreign nationals, among them 82 Chinese citizens, according to local reporting. Reports from the briefing indicate that authorities suspect a number of those held had come in through the visa-free arrangement.

Castro said the government was resolved to maintain pressure on the illicit gaming networks that remain. She described the President's directive as halting these illegal activities, and said any unlawful acts on Philippine territory have to be investigated, with those responsible brought to justice and the campaign carried on until every such criminal activity has been completely stamped out.