Philippines rescues 29 human trafficking victims from gaming operators
Philippine authorities announced on September 30 that police have rescued 29 Myanmar and Chinese nationals who were allegedly trafficked and forced to work as "online scammers" for a gaming company in the capital Manila.
Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine authoritiesannounced on September 30 that police have rescued 29 Myanmar and Chinesenationals who were allegedly trafficked and forced to work as "onlinescammers" for a gaming company in the capital Manila.
It came amid a crackdown on so-called Philippineoffshore gaming operators, or POGOs, following reports of kidnapping, prostitution andmurder.
Maj.Gen Eliseo Cruz said there would be follow-up operations based on informationfrom the victims, adding that they had worked for companies that pretended tohave "legitimate operations of POGO" but were engaged in"illegal activities, particularly in trafficking of persons".
Two of the Myanmar victims told police that they had arrived in the Philippines in March after being recruited in Dubai towork as customer service representatives.
Theirpassports were seized and they were forced to work 14 hours a day, chattingonline with potential clients and encouraging them to "play and investmoney" as part of a scam.
ไ Victims said theywere then sold for 3.5 million pesos to another company and told they had torepay the money./.
The National Assembly of Cambodia on October 5 adopted a draft law on commercial gaming management, which aims to put casinos and other gaming facilities in the country under control.
Indonesia will continue to encourage the development of the local gaming industry by strengthening its value chain and exploiting its current potential, according to the Ministry of Industry.
Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
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Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
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Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
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Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Illustrative image (Photo: Internet) 
