Probe into influx of foreigners in posh subdivisions pushed
SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian wants an inquiry into the growing presence of foreign nationals in upscale gated subdivisions suspected to be working for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), now called Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs).
“This is something worthy of attention. We need to ensure that any significant gathering of foreign nationals is not for the purpose of engaging in illegal activities given the trend of rising criminality attributed to these individuals involved in the industry,” Gatchalian said.
The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means wants to specifically address ongoing concerns raised by homeowners in Multinational Village in Paranaque City over the growing number of foreign nationals now residing in their subdivision.
Residents claim that an enclave within the subdivision featuring Chinese restaurants and spa salons caters exclusively to the said foreign nationals.
“Nakakabahala na maaaring mga pugante na galing sa ibang bansa ang mga nakatira sa mga subdivision na ito. Alam nila kung paano gumalaw at kung sino ang kakausapin dahil pinag-aaralan ng mga sindikatong ito ang galawan dito. Malakas ang loob nila dahil meron silang mga koneksyon at nakakakuha sila ng proteksyon mula sa mga matataas na opisyal sa bansa,” the senator stressed.
According to Gatchalian, the November 2023 raid conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at a residence in Ayala Alabang Village, which led to the arrest of 11 Chinese nationals for allegedly conducting illegal online gambling activities, is also concerning. The raid also led to the confiscation of an unlicensed .45-caliber pistol with a magazine and six rounds, a 9mm pistol with a magazine holding seven rounds, a switchblade knife, and gambling paraphernalia.
Gatchalian has been advocating for the termination of POGO operations in the country, saying that the social costs of allowing them to continue operations in the country far outweigh any economic gains derived from the industry.
