Former Firm of Harry Roque Included in Asset Freeze List Amid POGO Crackdown

October 31, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Malacañang has issued a memorandum directing the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the assets of seven companies currently under investigation. This directive comes in light of ongoing inquiries by the quad committee of the House of Representatives, which is examining illegal activities tied to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and other criminal enterprises.

The memorandum, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on October 22, 2024, was made public on October 28 based on a report published by Rappler. It outlines the government’s intention to act swiftly against entities suspected of involvement in unlawful activities. The seven companies named in the memorandum include:

1. Lucky South 99 Gaming Incorporated – This company operates as an illegal POGO in Porac, Pampanga. It was raided in June as part of a larger crackdown on unauthorized gambling operations.

2. Whirlwind Corporation – A real estate firm that leased property to Lucky South 99, making it complicit in the illegal gaming activities.

3. Biancham Holdings and Trading Incorporated – Once owned by former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, this holding company is under scrutiny for potential ties to criminal operations.

4. Empire 999 Realty Corporation – Linked to the recent seizure of 560 kilograms of narcotics worth approximately P3.6 billion at Subic Port, this corporation raises serious red flags regarding drug trafficking.

5. Sunflare Industrial Supply Corporation – Associated with Aedy Tai Yang, a Chinese national allegedly involved in dubious land sales in Mexico, Pampanga.

6. Yatai Industrial Park Incorporated – Owned by She Zhijiang, a convicted Chinese tycoon, this firm has been flagged for running a human trafficking and cyber fraud network.

7. Mexico 999 Industrial Realty Development Corporation – Also under investigation, this company is part of the larger web of businesses being scrutinized for illegal activities.

The memorandum directs the AMLC to apply for a freeze order or provisional asset reservation covering all assets linked to these companies. The order specifies that the AMLC has the authority to freeze assets that it believes may be related to unlawful activities, as defined by Republic Act No. 9160. Under this anti-money laundering law, the freeze order is valid for 15 days, during which the asset owners have 72 hours to respond. Any extension beyond this period requires a court order.

In addition to freezing assets, the PAOCC has taken steps to address the presence of foreign nationals involved in illegal operations.

In a separate letter to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the PAOCC ordered the deportation of 192 foreign nationals, primarily Chinese. These individuals were apprehended during a raid at 3D Analyzer Information Technologies Incorporated.

The PAOCC emphasized the importance of facilitating the swift deportation of these foreign nationals, who are currently held at a temporary detention facility. Measures have been put in place to ensure that they are blacklisted to prevent their re-entry into the Philippines.

The joint committee, now in its ninth session, has been investigating a variety of issues since August, including illegal POGOs, the drug war initiated during the Duterte administration, and extrajudicial killings.