A photo of ex-PNP chief Benjamin Acroda with Mindanao-based businessman Tony Yang, who was allegedly linked to POGOs. Office of Sen. Risa Hontiveros

MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday questioned why "high officials of government" were "fraternizing" with individuals allegedly linked to illegal POGOs and other illicit activities.

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This, after Hontiveros showed a photo of ex-PNP chief Benjamin Acorda, Jr. with Mindanao-based businessman Tony Yang, who was linked to POGOs.

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In another photo, Acorda was seen with Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Dong Calugay and Wesley Guo, brother of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

"In relation to the photos I talked to you about, I really wonder what our high officials in government are doing fraternizing with the wanted fugitive,” Hontiveros said, adding that Yang was already identified as a "fugitive" by China at that time.

Yang said he knew Acorda and some PNP officials when they were assigned in Cagayan de Oro. Acorda was led the PNP Northern Mindanao regional office before he became chief PNP.

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Meanwhile, Calugay said he met Acorda when he was assigned as chief of Sual police.

"Wala naman po kaming relasyon... Siya po ay dating chief of police ng Sual," the mayor said.

After the hearing, Acorda issued a statement but did not directly address the photos with Yang and other POGO personalities.

"Masasabi ko lang I love my country and the PNP organization. Kung anong dapat gawin ng isang Pilipino at bilang Police Officer ay ginawa ko," he said. 

Acorda served as PNP chief from April 2023 to March 2024.

The Senate panel said it would invite Acorda to their next hearing. —With a report from Raya Capulong, ABS-CBN News

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