Hontiveros: Only right for PH, China to work vs. transnational crimes

MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday said it is only right for the Philippines and China to work together in cracking down transnational crimes, following the meeting between Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin this week.

Bersamin chairs the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), which had been leading the government's drive against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

"The transnational syndicates associated with POGOs are Chinese nationals, so it is only right that the Philippine government works with the Chinese government in cracking down on these criminals' illicit activities," Hontiveros said.

The two sides must ensure that the criminals deported back to China would not return to the Philippines, noting the "increasing alarming evidence globally" that they also "sometimes work for the Chinese State", she added.

"Tiwala ako na maingat ang ating ES (I trust that our Executive Secretary is careful). We must not allow our country to be a destination for spying or for crimes," she said.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday said the two officials held a "constructive meeting" on July 1, and exchanged views on recent "key cases of mutual concerns," an apparent reference to the high volume of POGO-related crime and incidents involving Chinese nationals in the Philippines.

The embassy said both sides agreed to strengthen China and the Philippines' law enforcement cooperation, "jointly combat transnational crime, and better protect the lives and property of the people of the two countries". (PNA)