On Monday, the Philippines Government suspended applications for offshore gaming licenses.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation began reviewing the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

Allegedly, around 12,000 Chinese citizens have been illegally recruited by POGO to work in Filipino casinos.

China has called upon the Philippines Government to punish any firms found to have recruited its nationals illegally.

The Chinese embassy said any form of gambling by Chinese citizens is illegal, whether it is online, overseas or operating casinos overseas to attract citizens of China as primary customers.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said: “We have taken note of the Philippine government’s announcement and appreciate it. We hope the Philippines will go further and ban all online gambling. Offshore gaming is the most dangerous tumour in modern society.

“This will help create an enabling environment for the development of bilateral relations and peace and stability in the region.”