Philippine president orders shutdown of Chinese-run online gambling industry employing thousands.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered an immediate ban on widespread and mostly Chinese-run online gaming operations in the Philippines, accusing them of venturing into crimes, including financial scams, human trafficking, torture, kidnappings and murders.

His move to ban the Chinese-run online gambling outfits — estimated to number more than 400 across the Philippines and employing tens of thousands of Chinese and Southeast Asian nationals— came amid an ongoing government crackdown backed by Beijing.

That has led to the shutdown of several sprawling complexes with dozens of buildings, where authorities suspect thousands of Chinese, Vietnamese and other nationals mostly from Southeast Asia have been illegally recruited and forced to work in dismal conditions.

Marcos announced the decision during his state-of-the-nation address, when he also said that the Philippines would press efforts to strengthen its defensive capability by forging security alliances with friendly countries to counter threats to its territorial interests in the South China Sea, adding that his country would only settle disputes through diplomacy.

The Philippines has a complicated relationship with China, including significant trade engagements and cooperation against crimes. But the neighboring Asian countries have also had longstanding disputes in the South China Sea which have grown increasingly hostile since last year.

Relatedly, Philippine senators ordered the arrest of a town mayor in Tarlac province north of Manila who has failed to appear at public hearings where allegations against her were being investigated, including her alleged links to a large online gambling complex near her townhall and suspicions that she fraudulently hid her Chinese nationality to be able to run for a public office reserved only for Filipinos.

The mayor, Alice Guo, has denied any wrongdoing but has been suspended from her post with her financial assets ordered frozen. Philippine senators say the massive online gambling industry has flourished largely due to corruption in regulatory agencies and payoffs to local officials.

“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder,” Marcos said in his address. “The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop.”

Marcos ordered the government's gaming agency to wind down the operations of the so-called Philippine offshore gaming operators, or POGOs, by yearend, drawing loud applause from legislators and top officials at the House of Representatives.

He asked labor officials to look for alternative jobs for Filipino workers who would be displaced because of the shutdown.

Setting out his vision for the year ahead, Marcos outlined moves to address a range of issues, including soaring costs of food and electricity, poverty and low wages.

His administration's “bloodless war” on dangerous drugs never aimed at “extermination,” Marcos said in an obvious criticism of his predecessor's brutal anti-drugs crackdown that left thousands of mostly innocent suspects killed.

The International Criminal Court has been investigating the widespread drug killings under former President Rodrigo Duterte as a possible crime against humanity. Duterte has denied authorizing extra-judicial killings.

On Manila's increasingly hostile disputes with Beijing, Marcos stressed the Philippines would not back down but would only resort to peaceful means to resolve any dispute.

"The West Philippine Sea is not only a figment of our imagination. It belongs to us,” Marcos said, using the Philippine name for the stretch of the South China Sea that Manila claims. His remarks drew loud applause and a standing ovation among lawmakers.

"In the face of challenges to our territorial sovereignty, we will assert our rights and interests in the same fair and pacific way that we have always done,” Marcos said. “Proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order remain the only acceptable means of settling disputes.”

Philippine efforts, he said, were continuing “to strengthen our defense posture, both through developing self-reliance and through partnerships with like-minded states."

The increasingly hostile confrontations at the Second Thomas Shoal and outlying waters have sparked fears they could escalate into a larger conflict that could involve the United States, the longtime treaty ally of the Philippines.

In the worst confrontation, Chinese forces on motorboats repeatedly rammed and then boarded two Philippine navy boats on June 17 to prevent Filipino personnel from transferring food and other supplies including firearms to the ship outpost in the shallows of the shoal, according to the Philippine government.

The Chinese seized the Philippine navy boats and damaged them with machetes and improvised spears. The violent faceoff wounded several Filipino navy personnel in a chaotic skirmish.

Washington has repeatedly renewed a warning that it’s obligated to defend the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty if Philippine forces come under attack in the South China Sea and outlying waters.

On Sunday, the Philippine government said it had reached a deal with China in the hope of ending confrontations at the Second Thomas Shoal. The crucial agreement was reached after a series of meetings between Philippine and Chinese diplomats in Manila and exchanges of diplomatic notes that aimed to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal without conceding either side’s territorial claims, two Philippine officials told The Associated Press.

Neither side released the text of the agreement, which has been reviewed by top Philippine security officials, according to the two officials. They spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity for lack of authority to discuss details of the accord publicly.

Associated Press journalist Joeal Calupitan in Manila contributed to this report.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address as Senate President Francis Escudero, left and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, right, applaud at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)

An effigy of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte are displayed during a rally ahead of the third State of the Nation Address in Quezon City, Philippines, Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Cristino)

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. center, receives a standing ovation during his third State of the Nation Address as Senate President Francis Escudero, top left and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, top right look on at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address as Senate President Francis Escudero, left and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, right, look on at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)

Police personnel use shields as cover during rainfall along the main road leading to the House of Representatives ahead of the third State of the Nation Address by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Quezon City, Philippines, Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Cristino)

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. center, receives a standing ovation during his third State of the Nation Address as Senate President Francis Escudero, top left and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, top right look on at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)

First Lady Marie Louise Marcos arrives at the plenary hall ahead of the State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)

Congressman Sandro Marcos, son of President Marcos, arrives at the plenary hall ahead of the State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. center, shakes hands with Senate President Francis Escudero, left as House Speaker Martin Romualdez, right,looks on ahead of the State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. right, shakes hands with House Speaker Martin Romualdez ahead of the State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Sean Payton made a point of getting to the Superdome long before he normally would for a game — six hours before kickoff — so he could ease into his emotional return to a place where he coached on the home sideline for a decade and a half.

“I'm glad I was here early,” Payton said, reflecting on the heady times in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, when the Saints became a morale-boosting, inspirational force in the lives of rebuilding residents.

“That was a unique time,” Payton recalled. “None of us understood what it would mean and how big it would become. Coming back here is different and kind of special.”

And made better by seeing his current team, the Denver Broncos, win handily.

Javonte Williams rushed for two touchdowns, Cody Barton returned a fumble 52 yards for a score, and the Broncos beat the banged-up and reeling Saints 33-10 on Thursday night.

Bo Nix passed for 164 yards and ran for 75 yards for Denver (4-3), which dominated statistically. The Broncos outgained New Orleans 389 yards to 271 while sending the Saints (2-5) to their fifth straight defeat.

“It was awesome. The Saints mean a lot to him. He was there for a while and had amazing success,” Nix said, alluding to Payton's franchise-high 152 regular-season victories with the Saints from 2006 to 2021, and his Super Bowl-winning season in 2009. “I’m happy for him.”

Payton's New Orleans teams had just two losses at home by 20 points or more, something the Saints have done twice in the past five days.

“It's been disappointing,” Allen said. “Injuries play a part of it but we've got to find a way to play better.

“We're making mistakes we shouldn't be making,” Allen added. “Us as coaches and players alike, we've got to figure it out.”

Allen was Payton's defensive coordinator in New Orleans, and the two embraced after the game.

“I felt bad,” said Payton, who has now defeated all 32 NFL teams as a head coach. “New Orleans is nicked up, got a lot of injuries.”

With Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) missing his second straight game, there were rookies under center for both teams.

Spencer Rattler made his second straight start for New Orleans and his lack of experience was exacerbated by injuries all across the the offense.

The Saints were missing top receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee), the latter going on injured reserve earlier in the day. Two starting linemen, center Erik McCoy (groin) and guard Cesar Ruiz (knee), were out. Versatile tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) missed his third straight game.

Rattler was overwhelmed by a Denver defense that came in ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed.

He was 25 of 35 for 172 yards, rushed for 34 yards and lost two fumbles, the second of which Barton took to the end zone in the fourth quarter. Rattler appeared shaken up on the play and was replaced by Jake Haener, who connected with Cedric Wilson for New Orleans' lone TD.

Barton forced Rattler's first fumble, which led to one of former Saint Wil Lutz's four field goals.

Rattler was sacked six times, once by linebacker Nik Bonitto, who had a sack for a fifth straight game.

New Orleans' defense, meanwhile, could not come up with any momentum-turning plays.

Tryann Mathieu uncharacteristically dropped an errant pass by Nix that sailed directly to the veteran defensive back late in the second quarter. That allowed the the Broncos to close out the half with a field goal and a 16-3 lead.

“Early on in the season, we played good football, so I know this team has it in them,” Allen said, referring to lopsided victories over Carolina and Dallas. “But right now we're not playing that way and obviously there's a multitude of reasons why, and we've got to figure out how to get back to playing that type of football.”

During halftime, record-setting former QB Drew Brees was honored on the field to mark his induction into the Saints Hall of Fame. Team owner Gayle Benson presented Brees with a blazer, and a portrait of the club's all-time passer holding the Lombardi Trophy was unveiled.

Brees also was honored at a luncheon earlier in the day, during which Payton made an appearance to congratulate the star player he coached for 14 seasons.

“It's always good to see him,” Payton said.

Brees' 80,358 career yards passing rank second in NFL history behind only Tom Brady's 89,214.

For many fans in attendance, the halftime festivities were the highlight of the night. The Superdome was largely empty by the fourth quarter.

Broncos: CB Patrick Surtain (concussion) and RT Alex Palczewski (ankle) were inactive.

Saints: CB Paulson Adebo was carted off the field with an air cast on his right leg in the second quarter and taken to a hospital. Allen said Adebo had a broken femur. ... CB Marshon Lattimore left with a hamstring injury. ... OL Nick Saldiveri left with a shoulder injury. LB Pete Werner (hamstring) was inactive.

Broncos: Host Carolina on Oct. 27.

Saints: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 27.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos won 33-10. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) hugs Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton after an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos won 33-10. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, left, greets New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen after an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos won 33-10. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen, left, talks with Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton after an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos won 33-10. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) celebrates with teammate tight end Lucas Krull (85) after an 8-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) runs from New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates his induction in the Saints Hall of Fame during halftime of NFL football game between the Saints and the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix scrambles up field during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen, left, greets Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton before an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen, right, hugs Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton before an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, left, greets his brother Tom Payton as he walks onto the field before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brews walks on the field before an NFL football game between the Saints and the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brews walks on the field before an NFL football game between the Saints and the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) and linebacker Kwon Alexander (12) look to recover a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton walks onto the field before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) breaks a tackle by New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)