According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila, they cooperate with Philippine law enforcement agencies to deal with criminal activities related to online gaming companies and assist the Philippine government in solving core problems in the offshore gaming industry.

The statement came after a number of Chinese nationals were arrested for possession of high-powered firearms and attempted bribery, who were later linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

The embassy said any form of gambling is illegal in China and China opposes Chinese citizens engaging in such activities abroad. It reiterated that the Chinese government has always reminded overseas citizens to abide by local laws and regulations.

The embassy highlighted the dangers offshore gambling poses to society and named Chinese citizens as victims.

On April 14, Chinese citizen Su Haiqiang was found carrying high-powered firearms, ammunition and other prohibited items in Barangay Bambang, Taguig City.

Two other Chinese citizens present were detained for further verification. Another Chinese national was also arrested for attempting to bribe the release of those arrested earlier.

According to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI), 76 Chinese citizens are among the 401 foreigners it banned from entering the country due to various immigration violations from March to early April.

Vietnamese citizens topped the list with 254 people. Information suggests that many foreigners are involved in illegal online gambling operations in the country, which is the reason for the increase in exclusions.

Immigration Director General Norman Tansingco said trends in people with questionable documents and previous arrests were used to identify potential criminals.

Those denied entry due to underlying public charges will be placed on an immigration blacklist, which will prevent them from being admitted again, with excluded foreigners taking the next flight back to their port of origin.