LIVE: Senate resumes hearing on Alice Guo, illegal POGOs (Sept. 24, 2024) - Replay

GMA Integrated News・2 minutes read

The investigation focuses on dismantling criminal syndicates involved in human trafficking and money laundering, with various government agencies involved in the hearing to address gaps in the law and intensify punishment for those protecting criminals. Mayor Kalay is under scrutiny for his involvement in various businesses and questionable financial transactions, while Miss Kong faces questioning about her ownership in Whirlwind Corporation and invokes her right against self-incrimination.

Insights

Guohua Ping is connected to Michael's group through a joint account with Y Zeng, highlighting potential financial ties between various individuals involved.
The investigation centers on human trafficking and money laundering, emphasizing the serious nature of criminal activities being targeted and the aim to dismantle such syndicates.
Former chiefs of the Philippine National Police stress the importance of integrity and transparency, countering accusations of involvement in illegal activities.
The hearing aims to address gaps in the law, intensify punishments for officials protecting criminals, and emphasizes the need for an integrated database among agencies to enhance coordination.
Miss Kong's involvement in Whirlwind Corporation, her share ownership, and invoking the right against self-incrimination provide insights into potential legal complexities and corporate structures under scrutiny.

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Recent questions

What is the focus of the investigation?
Human trafficking and money laundering activities.
Who are the resource persons at the hearing?
Various government agencies' representatives.
What is the significance of an integrated database?
Enhancing coordination and information sharing.
What is the committee's goal regarding gaps in the law?
Addressing gaps and intensifying punishment.
What is the committee's stance on integrity?
Emphasizing integrity and transparency.

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Summary

00:00

Illegal POGO Activities Uncovered in Hearing

Guohua Ping is connected to Michael's group, with Michael's younger brother, Hong Jang Yangang, having a joint account with Y Zeng, a business partner of Guohua.
Michael's elder brother, Si Yang Jin alias Tony, has been caught by immigration officers for involvement in illegal POGOs, despite Michael denying any connection to illegal activities.
Oro One, a service provider of Sunway Technology, is linked to Tony's corporation, with documents showing connections to POGOs.
The investigation focuses on human trafficking and money laundering activities, aiming to dismantle criminal syndicates involved in these illegal operations.
The hearing involves various resource persons from different government agencies, including the Department of Justice, PNP, and the Bureau of Immigration.
Former chiefs of the Philippine National Police condemn accusations of involvement in illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency.
The hearing aims to address gaps in the law and intensify punishment for government officials protecting criminals and syndicates.
The importance of an integrated database among agencies is highlighted to enhance coordination and information sharing.
The hearing also delves into the involvement of local government units in POGO operations and the need to eradicate the root causes of illegal activities.
The committee acknowledges the presence of numerous resource persons from various government agencies and organizations, including the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, and individuals related to POGO operations.

24:31

Detainees' Letters Prompt Warrant Return Hearing

Individuals detained at NBI wrote to the National Bureau of Investigation.
Judge Santiago's letter requested the attendance of specific individuals for a hearing.
The individuals were under a warrant of arrest from Branch 167, Pasig City.
The warrants were returned to NBI on September 23, 2024, at 3:45 PM.
The accused individuals were in the custody of NBI's Security Management Division.
Coordination with the Regional Trial Court Branch 167 was requested.
Resource persons were reminded to attend hearings to explain their side.
Mr. John Michael Mayrong of Alicel Corporations was invited but refused to receive the letter.
A subpoena was issued against Mr. Mayrong due to his refusal.
Former Mayor Feliciano declined the invitation due to a prior commitment, prompting a subpoena.

51:04

Interrogation reveals business connections and associations

The individual in question is being interrogated about various documents and permits, including gun permits and business certificates.
The person admits to using different names for convenience in business dealings.
There is a discussion about the individual's involvement in various businesses, including rice, steel, and tire factories.
The person denies involvement in Pogo-related businesses.
The individual is questioned about the number of foreign nationals working at a steel corporation, estimating around 110 Chinese workers.
The person explains that Chinese workers are needed for technical aspects of operating machines in the factory.
The individual identifies several individuals connected to the businesses, including Peter Ong and John Paul Gonzalez.
The person clarifies their relationship with former President Duterte, stating they are not very close.
The individual acknowledges knowing retired General Lawrence Coop and Colonel Lemwel Gonda, stating they met through business federation activities.
A photo is discussed where the individual is seen visiting the head of police in Cagayan, clarifying it was not a meeting but a visit.

01:35:29

High Officials Fraternizing with Wanted Fugitive

The person in the front is Fr on the right, and the head of police in Cagayan is referred to as aka or akoda.
The former Chief PNP is well-known to the president of companies and other individuals in the picture.
The photo was taken when the former Chief PNP was still the Regional Director of the province.
The individuals in the photos were Regional Directors of region 10 at the time.
There is a discussion about a wanted fugitive being fraternized with by high officials in government.
Questions are raised about integrity and the perception of integrity in relation to the individuals in the photos.
Mayor Cugay and Wesley Guo are mentioned in connection to a visit to the former Chief PNP.
Mayor Cugay's visit with Wesley Guo to the former Chief PNP is discussed, with questions about their relationship and the purpose of the visit.
Mr. Roderick Carolino is questioned about his involvement with Mayor Cugay and the delivery of steel to the Mayor on behalf of Three Links.
Mr. Carolino confirms his presence in a photo and identifies other individuals in the photo, including Mayor Cugay and Miss Chery.

01:57:02

Mayor's Hire Sparks Controversy and Investigations

The mayor hired someone for a position without specifying the responsibilities.
Miss Rona Genin handles clerical duties assigned by the mayor.
Miss Rona Genin is responsible for office management and budget handling.
Miss Rona Genin deals with solicitations and visits the municipality frequently.
Mr. Z was accused of operating an alleged illegal Pogo hub.
Mr. Z claims the money was not a bribe but for separate arrangements for his family.
Mr. Z transferred money for safekeeping, not as a bribe.
Mr. Z denies bribing government officials and instead sponsors activities for them.
Mr. Z rented out rooms for Pogo workers and was surprised by their presence.
Investigations are ongoing regarding the departure of Gu Ping and her party from the Philippines.

02:25:46

CDO Kingpin: Illegal Pogo and Drug Links

Cagayan de Oro is a significant location where individuals establish their presence, considering it their kingdom.
The area in CDO has businesses that require passing through certain individuals for access.
There are indicators pointing towards illegal Pogo operations in the region.
The individual in question plays a major role in criminal Pogo networks.
There are concerns about the individual's involvement in both Pogo and drug-related activities.
Coordination with PDEA is ongoing to gather information on the individual's connections to drugs and Pogos.
The individual claims to have only one gun, despite reports of possessing six guns.
Verification is sought from PNP regarding the individual's gun ownership and permits.
NBI confirms the existence of several licensed firearms under the individual's name.
The individual's acquisition of firearms is questioned, with suspicions of bribery and dishonesty raised.

02:47:42

Mayor Kalay's Financial Controversy and Business Connections

Mayor Kalay withdrew 350 million and 150 million from Banco de Oro and Security Bank after a previous hearing where 150 million was mentioned.
Mayor Kalay denies having hundreds of millions in bank accounts but acknowledges withdrawing significant amounts.
The salary of a po1 in 2018 was around 14,846, while Mayor Kalay purchased a residential lot in Pangasinan in cash in the same year.
Alexander Abrenica, the municipal administrator, was involved in various businesses with Mayor Kalay, including qjj farms and DG Realty.
Mayor Kalay refused to answer questions about Abrenica's role in their businesses, citing ongoing cases.
Mayor Kalay invoked the right against self-incrimination when questioned about Abrenica's involvement in their businesses.
Mayor Kalay took Abrenica on trips to Taipei during Chinese New Year, but denied knowing him when questioned.
Mayor Kalay did not declare trips with Abrenica, leading to questions about their relationship and the lack of travel authority filings.
Mayor Kalay retired early from the police force in 2015 to run for Mayor, where he awarded contracts to a construction company involving his common-law partner.
Mayor Kalay denied any conflict of interest in awarding contracts to the construction company where his common-law partner was involved, despite evidence presented.

03:09:57

Land Sale Sparks Ownership Dispute at Resort

The Happy Penguin Resort near Swal Port is not owned by the individual being addressed.
The land where the resort is located was sold a few months prior.
The land was sold for 1.2 million square meters at 4,000 square meters per square meter.
The Zonal Valuation for the land is Php300 per square meter.
The individual admitted to forgetting to include the land in their translation.
The construction of the Happy Penguin Resort is unclear, possibly in 2021.
There was a vessel with Chinese passengers in Swal waters in 2022, transported to Bamban, Tarlac.
Rumors suggest that funds from POGOs were used to buy a helicopter as a gift.
The individual was imprisoned for an undisclosed period.
Businesses named Alicel Aquafarm and Alicel Consumer Goods Trading were established by Kalay and Goo.

03:33:19

Protecting Reputation Through Verified Information

Public sharing of information should be avoided to protect the reputation of individuals involved.
Raw information should be handled carefully and verified before dissemination.
Legacy programs are essential for improving the PNP institution.
Information should be verified and confirmed from reliable sources before being shared.
Evaluation processes are crucial for determining the reliability and credibility of information.
Intelligence information needs to be converted into written statements for evidentiary value.
Care should be taken to avoid spreading unverified reports to prevent harm.
Questions regarding involvement in Porak Pogo hub and responsibilities as a representative were discussed.
Details about Lucky South 99, including obtaining necessary documents and introductions, were shared.
Involvement in Whirlwind, roles as corporate secretary and treasurer, and legal cases related to money laundering were mentioned.

03:55:02

"Whirlwind Corporation Investigation: Miss Kong's Involvement"

Council members are discussing the filing of a bank inquiry and freeze order related to Miss Kong.
A case has not been filed yet in relation to Whirlwind and Lucky South.
Whirlwind Corporation is under investigation for a bank inquiry and freeze.
Miss Kong is being questioned about her involvement in Whirlwind Corporation.
Miss Kong became an officer of Whirlwind Corporation in 2019 at the age of 19.
She holds 58% of the shares in Whirlwind Corporation.
The remaining 42% of shares are owned by individuals named Daniel Salcedo, Ren W Chona, Alendre Siang Tan, and Jingu.
Miss Kong invokes her right against self-incrimination when asked about her tax returns and the source of her capital.
The council advises against invoking this right as there are no current cases against her.
Senator Sherwin plans to file a motion to cite Miss Kong in contempt for not answering basic questions.

04:17:54

"Political ties, drug lords, and international crime"

Mr. Lin is Chinese and has no participation in farms or Pogo.
Mr. Yang recognized a person in a photo shown by Senator J, connecting Tony and Michael to a drug lab arrest in 2003 for 1,000 kg of drugs.
Tony and Michael are linked to a known drug lord due to the significant drug quantity involved.
Mayor Feliciano supported Mr. Lin's political career, leading to his mayoral position in Bamban.
Mayor Feliciano's involvement in the Canadian waste issue in 2015 and 2016, related to a landfill in Bamban, is under scrutiny.
The Coast Guard monitors vessels, with a focus on foreign-flagged luxury yachts not registered in the Philippines.
The Coast Guard uses the AIS system and DDD for vessel detection and inspection.
Luxury yachts in the Philippines, often foreign-flagged, raise concerns about tax evasion and ownership by Filipinos.
Alice denies being a mastermind but admits to being involved in an international crime syndicate, expressing fear for her safety.
An executive session is proposed to uncover the true masterminds behind the crime syndicate, with Alice expected to reveal crucial information.

04:37:44

Government officials aiding Pogos in Philippines discussed

The committee is waiting for an executive session to discuss the involvement of government officials in aiding Pogos in the Philippines.
Senator JV may propose the executive session in the next hearing, which the chair is open to.
Miss Alice Go is emotionally drained and may share her experiences in the executive session.
The committee moves to an executive session in 7 minutes, with a follow-up question to Miss Cassandra about her connections.
Questions are raised about the steel business of Mr. Yang Yang Chan Shin and the substandard steel being circulated in the market.
Sanja's steel is stored in the FVC facility, with permissions granted for stocking.
Communication with FVC regarding the steel stocking is done by a person named Tonai.
The committee plans to invite the manager or chair of PBIC for further insights in the next hearing.

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