PDEA has linked ex-adviser Michael Yang and Alice Guo to a drug syndicate tied to POGOs, highlighting alleged human trafficking and money laundering links.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has unveiled a matrix linking former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang and ex-Bamban Mayor Alice Guo to an alleged drug syndicate connected to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). This matrix highlights their purported involvement in facilitating illicit activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering.
PDEA Deputy Director General Renato Gumban presented the matrix during a House QuadComm hearing on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
Guo and Yang have also been implicated in other alleged illegal activities, including human trafficking and exploitation of foreign workers, based on a matrix that was reported by Abante Tonite.
Authorities are focusing on links between these individuals and Empire 999 Realty, Inc., a company reportedly tied to illegal drug operations. In September 2023, P3.6 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized from a warehouse in Mexico, Pampanga, owned by Willie Ong, another incorporator of Empire 999 Realty.
Investigations suggest that this syndicate used corporate entities as fronts for organized crime operations. Empire 999 has also been linked to companies such as Golden Sun 999, which is linked to businesswoman Rose Nono Lin. Lin was linked to the controversial Pharmally Corporation which secured significant COVID-19 contracts.
Lin is married to Lin Weixiong, alias Allan Lim, tied to Yang. Lim is accused of drug operations and casino schemes, while Yang is allegedly a financier of a drug syndicate.
Connections include Hongsheng Gaming Technology, a POGO in Tarlac, linked to Yang's brother, and Alice Guo, tied to suspected laundering entities QJJ Farm and RMCE Metal Products.
Officials are continuing to investigate the extent of their involvement and any connections to other high-profile figures or institutions.
“The volume of corporate layering along with the corporate personalities are truly overwhelming, Mr. Chair,” Batangas Rep. Germin Luistro said.
PDEA, however, was scolded for Senator Bong Go's inclusion, after they supposedly failed to establish his links to the illegal drug trade or POGOs.
“Sorry, Asec. Gumban. Do not create a matrix that is incriminating and that would connect people with a title saying POGO and drugs connection. Complete your investigation first,” Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. France Castro said, as reported by Inquirer.
Surigao Del Norte 2nd District Representative Ace Barbers urged the PDEA to ensure that any matrix they submit to the committee contains sufficient and reliable information to support their claims. He emphasized the need to substantiate the involvement of individuals in the proceedings, noting that accusations without solid evidence would be difficult to accept.
“Now if personalities appear in the conduct of these proceedings…we need to substantiate that. Because it will be hard to make accusations without evidence,” Barbers said.
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