It was revealed in one of the hearings of the Quad that the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) virus has infected more areas than previously thought.

Congressman Dan Fernandez highlighted the POGO operations in Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) during the hearing. While currently dormant, POGO operations equipment was still on the premises. It was revealed that one of the owners of the POGO facilities is Jian Xin Yang, the brother of the infamous Michael Yang, an economic adviser and close associate of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Congressman Fernandez also linked Jian Xin Yang to several other businesses and establishments operating illegally. One of these is a steel manufacturing factory that is registered as a fully Filipino-owned corporation but is owned by Jian XinYang and his Chinese associates. The corporation even owns several parcels of land and other real property, violating the prohibition against foreigners owning land in the Philippines.

Several hundred million to billions of pesos worth of illegal transactions have been uncovered and reported from these operations. Additionally, it was revealed that the corporations in CDO owned by Jian Xin Yang and his Chinese associates have their own port where unregistered ships frequently dock. Hundreds of Chinese nationals have also been spotted on their premises.

Congressman Fernandez advanced that this port might be one of several used to bring illegal drugs into the country. Previous hearings have already connected Michael Yang, former President Duterte, and their associates to the illegal drug trade in the Philippines. This unregulated shipping port provided a means for them to move tons of imported illegal drugs into the country, appearing to be a major entry point for drugs in Mindanao.

This further undermines Duterte’s “I hate drugs” mantra during his administration. Their drug operations involved a complex network across the Philippines. These individuals hid behind seemingly legal operations to facilitate the movement of their drug shipments. It should be noted that, due to Duterte’s war on drugs, the prices of illegal drugs skyrocketed. This was a calculated strategy by Duterte and his cronies. Not only were they able to eliminate their rivals, but they also monopolized the illegal drug trade, earning more than they otherwise would have.

It seems that there is always something new revealed during the Quad Committee hearings. This certainly demonstrates the complexity and extent of Duterte’s illegal activities. He used his powers as President to enrich himself and his cronies. Inch by inch, the Quad Committee is getting closer to uncovering the truth about Duterte’s criminal empire. How many more details remain to be uncovered?

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