President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines has taken a decisive step by ordering an immediate ban on widespread online gaming operations, primarily run by Chinese operators. The President cited various crimes associated with these operations, including financial scams, human trafficking, torture, kidnappings, and even murders.
The ban comes amidst a crackdown on such activities, with the closure of numerous complexes suspected of illegal recruitment and exploitation of foreign nationals. The move was announced during the President's state-of-the-nation address, where he also emphasized the country's commitment to strengthening its defensive capabilities and resolving territorial disputes through diplomacy.
