Three Chinese were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in coordination with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) at Fontana Leisure Park in Pampanga on Friday. 

They are believed to have managed to escape authorities' raids in POGO hubs in Bamban, Tarlac and in Porac, Pampanga.

“‘Yung Clark Development Corporation ay humingi po ng tulong sa amin kasi ‘yung fear po nila ‘yung Fontana Leisure ay ginagamit bilang takbuhan ng mga galing sa POGO. ‘Yung mga nakakawala sa POGO, dun na po nagtatago,” PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio said.

167 Chinese from Bamban POGO raid deported 

Initial investigation revealed that the suspects served as managers of illegal POGO hubs and were alleged business partners of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. 

“Itong mga to ay associated sa fugitive na si Huang Zhiang, ‘yung partner po ni Alice Guo, pinaghahanap pa po natin. Ito ay kanyang mga tauhan po at mga associates po niya, mga manager din po ito sa iba-ibang lebel po ng kanilang operation,” Casio said.

The suspects dened the allegations but confessed to have entered the country illegally. 

“As of now Immigration violations pa po lamang ang kakaharapin. Pero gawa ng meron kaming indikasyon na nakikita na sila ay mga boss, so posibleng makasuhan po sila ng criminal charges at paharapin sa mga kaso dito sa Pilipinas,” Casio said.  

'Ties' of Chinese syndicates to local criminals revealed in POGO executive session

 Aside from the three Chinese, one Malaysian was also apprehended in Zamboanga last Friday. 

Authorities are now investigating the suspect's possible link to illegal POGO hubs. 

“Lahat po sila ay nagsisipagtakasan na po dahil alam nga po nila na sunod-sunod ‘yung operation laban sa kanila,” Casio said.  

Meanwhile, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said a former high ranking government official lobbied for licenses to be given a number of illegal POGOs in the country. 

Chinese embassy urges PH gov’t to ban POGOs 

He also asked how nearly 300 POGOs got licensed during the previous administration when most of them were found to be ineligible and suspicious. 

The PAGCOR chief said the identity of the former Cabinet member will be revealed in a proper forum.