House panels advance probe into POGOs, drug smuggling with Tony Yang's arrest

Four House of Representatives committees announced on Friday that the arrest of Tony Yang, brother of former presidential adviser Michael Yang, will advance their investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and drug smuggling.

Tony Yang was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission with assistance from the Bureau of Immigration and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

House Committee on Public Order and Safety chairperson Dan Fernandez said that Tony's company, Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation, is allegedly connected to drug smuggling and illegal POGO operations, indicating a larger conspiracy involving multiple illegal activities.

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers stated that Tony's arrest exposes illicit activities disguised as legitimate businesses and strengthens their commitment to pursuing justice.

The committee noted that Michael Yang is under an arrest order for his absence during hearings on a P3.6 billion drug buy-bust operation in Pampanga, and Tony Yang's cooperation could provide valuable testimony to support these investigations.

Lawmakers believe the financial links between Tony Yang and dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo are part of a larger conspiracy involving multiple illegal activities.