Gilbert Cruz, the Executive Director of the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), revealed during a Senate hearing on Tuesday that the family of former President Duterte's economic advisor, Michael Yang, is attempting to turn Cagayan de Oro into their "kingdom".
Michael Yang is a key figure in the nationally shocking Pharmally scandal, and his family is currently also suspected of illegal activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The Senate is investigating these matters.
Michael Yang is a key figure in the nationally shocking Pharmally scandal, and his family is currently also suspected of illegal activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The Senate is investigating these matters.
Cruz stated in the Senate Committee on Women's investigation into POGOs, "They are trying to establish their control in the region, and it seems that some businesses cannot operate smoothly in this market without cooperating with them." Under the questioning of Senator Risa Hontiveros, Cruz confirmed that the area in question was indeed Cagayan de Oro.
He noted that several enterprises of the Yang family are related to POGOs, including a hotel and a rice processing plant, both registered under the name of Yang's brother Tony Yang, Antonio Lim. Additionally, the Yang family owns a company called Sanjia Steel, which, although not yet inspected by authorities, intelligence suggests may be involved in POGO operations.
Earlier, Hontiveros had stated that the business activities of the Yang family gradually reveal the existence of a "massive criminal syndicate" that has been operating in the Philippines for a long time, causing many victims.
