MANILA -- The governments of the Philippines and China are in talks to combat organized crime. 

On Monday, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian met with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, chairman of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), to explore ways to combat transnational criminal activities.

"China expressed its appreciation for the recent actions taken by Philippine law enforcement authorities to counter illegal offshore gambling and to rescue several Chinese nationals," the PAOCC said in a statement.

"The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has been actively collaborating and maintaining open communication channels with their Philippine counterparts throughout this process. This mutual support demonstrates the commitment and determination of both countries to curb transnational organized crime effectively," the commission added.

The PAOCC said the strengthened cooperation between the two countries "sends a clear message to criminal syndicates operating across borders that their malicious activities will not be tolerated".

"It also paves the way for the exchange of expertise, intelligence sharing, and collaborations, enabling the authorities on both sides to effectively disrupt and dismantle criminal networks," it added.

The meeting between China and the Philippines came in the wake of recent raids against illegal offshore gaming hubs in Pampanga and Tarlac.

All quiet at Porac, Pampanga POGO hub after Friday search