Senate probes POGOs in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental; Tony Yang arrested, linked to drug trafficking

Senator Risa Hontiveros announced that the Senate investigation into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) would shift to Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental this week.

Tony Yang, Michael Yang's elder brother and a key figure in the area with extensive business interests including a P800-million steel manufacturing plant, is now revealed as the president of Oro One Corporation, which serves as a service provider for Xionwei linked to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation.

Yang was arrested at NAIA last September 19 for being an undesirable alien and his company, Oro One, is associated with illegal POGO activities and drug trafficking.

Hontiveros's staff uncovered pictures showing Yang posing with local officials and businessmen, including Mayor Rolando Uy and PNP Region 10 Director Ricardo Layug, who deny any business dealings with him.

Further investigation revealed a connection between Tony Yang, former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, Sual Mayor Liseldo Calugay, and others linked to illegal POGO operations.