Marcos Bans Chinese-Run POGOs Immediately

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an immediate ban on Chinese-run Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), accusing them of engaging in criminal activities such as financial scams, money laundering, human trafficking, and murder. The crackdown, which is backed by Beijing, will result in the shutdown of over 400 operations employing tens of thousands of foreign workers. Marcos emphasized that this ban will address multiple issues facing the country, including the negative economic and social impacts of these illicit activities. He also directed the nation's gaming regulator to wind down POGOs by the year's end and urged economic officials to find alternative employment for displaced workers. The announcement comes amid rising tensions with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with Marcos affirming that the Philippines will not yield in its sovereignty claims.