Philippine veteran media personality Ramon Tulfo revealed on social media on October 20 that a four-story standalone building in the AFPOVAI senior officers' residential area in Taguig City's Bonifacio Fort has been occupied by a group of Chinese nationals for a long time, suspected of engaging in offshore gambling (POGO) business, which the government has explicitly banned. The building is just a few steps away from the headquarters of the Philippine Army and adjacent to the residence of the current National Security Advisor, retired General Eduardo Año, with community security managed by military background, requiring identity verification for entry. Tulfo pointed out that the building has a 2-meter high fully enclosed fence, and the residents do not interact with the outside world, posing a security risk. The Philippine Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies have not yet formally responded.
Revelation Content and Location Information
Philippine veteran media personality Ramon Tulfo disclosed on social media that a four-story residential building in the AFPOVAI community in Taguig City's Bonifacio Fort has been long occupied by Chinese nationals, suspected of illegal POGO activities. The building is located near the headquarters of the Philippine Army, adjacent to the residence of National Security Advisor Eduardo Año.
The community belongs to a military senior residential area, requiring identity verification for entry, and the building has a 2-meter high fully enclosed fence, completely isolated from the surroundings.
Community Background and Security Management
The AFPOVAI community is located in the center of Taguig City, close to Bonifacio Global City and McKinley Hill, and is a high-end residential area within the core defense zone of the Philippine military. The community was originally a welfare project for officers and retired generals, managed throughout by security personnel with a military background.
Residents are mostly active and retired military officers, government officials, and wealthy businessmen, implementing a strict identity verification system, and ordinary people cannot enter at will.
Building Condition and Suspicious Features
The building in question is a four-story standalone structure, with an approximately two-meter high fully enclosed fence, completely isolated from the surrounding residences. Observations show almost no one entering or leaving, residents do not interact with others, and do not speak English or Tagalog, being in a state of "disconnection" from the outside world.
These abnormal features have raised concerns and unease among some military personnel in the community.
Safety Risks and Concerns
Tulfo indicated that this situation might pose a security loophole and national security risk, especially considering its sensitive location and the seclusion of its residents. Some military officers in the community have expressed concerns about potential security threats.
So far, no detailed information has been released about the number of residents, how they obtained residency qualifications, or specific activities.
Official Reaction and Current Status
As of now, the Philippine Armed Forces, Immigration Bureau, and other relevant law enforcement agencies have not formally responded or made statements about this revelation. The authenticity and specific details of the incident await further investigation and confirmation by the authorities.
The AFPOVAI community management has also not commented on the issue of residency qualification review for outsiders.
Background and Credibility of the Informant
Ramon Tulfo is a veteran media personality in the Philippines, having served as a columnist and radio show host, and was appointed as a special envoy to China during Duterte's administration. Known for his outspokenness, he has repeatedly exposed the dark sides of the government and business elites.
His past revelations have made this accusation of "POGO hiding in a military officer's area" attract widespread attention.
Geographical Location and Sensitivity
Bonifacio Fort is an important military area in the Philippines, where the Army headquarters is located, surrounded by various military units and government agencies. As a concentrated residential area for military officers, the AFPOVAI community has high security sensitivity.
The long-term residence and abnormal behavior of foreign nationals in such areas naturally raise security concerns.
Potential Impact and Public Attention
If the revelation is true, it may trigger widespread discussions in Philippine society about "foreign infiltration" and "military security loopholes." Public attention may focus on security audit mechanisms and the supervision of foreign nationals' activities in sensitive areas.
The incident may prompt the parliament and the public to demand enhanced management standards for sensitive areas.
Historical Background and Policy Environment
The Philippine government has explicitly banned offshore gambling (POGO) operations, and has been continuously cracking down on related illegal activities recently. This revelation occurs against the backdrop of the crackdown on POGO, adding complexity and attention to the incident.
The government has repeatedly emphasized the thorough elimination of POGO-related businesses, regardless of nationality or background involved.
Subsequent Developments and Possible Measures
The incident may lead to internal investigations by the military, identity verification by the Immigration Bureau, and national security assessments. Relevant agencies may strengthen the review and supervision of residency qualifications in sensitive areas.
The results may affect the residency policies and management standards for foreign nationals in sensitive areas in the Philippines.
