CTTO/ABS-CBN NEWS
Manila, Philippines — On Friday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI), in collaboration with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), apprehended three Chinese nationals at Fontana Leisure Park in Pampanga. The suspects are believed to have evaded previous raids on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga.
Dr. Winston Casio, spokesperson for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), stated, “The Clark Development Corporation sought our assistance due to their concern that Fontana Leisure Park is being used as a hideout for those escaping from POGO operations.” Initial investigations suggest that the suspects were managers of illegal POGO hubs and alleged business partners of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
“These individuals are associated with fugitive Huang Zhiang, a partner of Alice Guo. They are his personnel and associates, serving as managers at various levels of their operations,” Casio added.
While the suspects denied the allegations, they confessed to entering the country illegally. “Currently, they face immigration violations. However, given the indications of their leadership roles, they may also face criminal charges in the Philippines,” Casio said.
In a related development, a Malaysian national was also apprehended in Zamboanga last Friday. Authorities are investigating the suspect’s possible connection to illegal POGO hubs. “All of them are attempting to escape due to the ongoing operations against them,” Casio noted.
Meanwhile, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco revealed that a former high-ranking government official had lobbied for licenses to be granted to several illegal POGOs in the country. Tengco questioned how nearly 300 POGOs were licensed during the previous administration despite many being ineligible and suspicious. He stated that the identity of the former Cabinet member would be disclosed in an appropriate forum.