Senator Sherwin Gatchalian
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian raised concerns about Huang Zhiyang, allegedly the leader of an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in the country, potentially having ties to the Chinese Triad—one of China’s most notorious organized crime syndicates.
Huang, who is currently in Hong Kong, is said to hold five different passports, adding to concerns about his movements.
“That’s possible although I don’t have any concrete information. I just have information, but it’s not yet validated. That’s possible,” noted Gatchalian in a media briefing on Thursday.
Gatchalian noted that Huang is part of a well-established crime group, which may have facilitated the escape of now detained former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. Her dramatic flight, involving a yacht and two boats, was allegedly supported by Huang’s network.
“From our information, his (Huang’s) name surfaced in the activities that marred the escape, also in Malaysia, Indonesia, even Duaren Wu, an active personality in Guo’s escape and in her movements in Indonesia and Singapore,” the senator said.
Gatchalian added that Jiang Zhe, another key player, was involved in booking hotels for Guo and her group in Malaysia and Singapore, further implicating Huang in the escape.
Huang reportedly holds passports from several countries, including China, Cyprus, Cambodia, Dominica, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. “We learned that he is currently in Hong Kong from Taiwan. He just flee to Hong Kong,” Gatchalian said.
The senator urged law enforcement authorities to issue an immediate arrest warrant so that Interpol can restrict Huang’s movements.
Gatchalian also revealed that Huang’s name surfaced during raids in Fontana, Sun Valley in Clark, Pampanga, and Baofu Land Development, Inc. in Bamban, Tarlac, citing the many documents seized in these locations.
The senator further mentioned the presence of Cassandra Li Ong, who was linked to a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Guo had written down the name of a Chinese associate involved in her escape but claimed that she later received death threats, which lawmakers believe were meant to silence her.
Gatchalian called for a thorough investigation into Huang’s role in Guo’s activities and highlighted the urgency of arresting him to prevent further criminal operations linked to POGOs.
The senator also touched on the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission’s (PAOCC) plans to conduct diggings in Lucky South 99, citing reports of torture victims whose remains were allegedly cremated at the site.
He said the passports of the victims have been discarded after they were killed.
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