NOT only Chinese nationals who are part of the Chinese mafia will be held accountable, but also Filipinos who are accomplices or who have helped them carry out their criminal activities.
This was revealed by House committee on dangerous drugs chairman and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, leading the Quad-Committee in the House to investigate the connection of the Illegal drug trade, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO), and extra-judicial killings.
The lawmaker said that the Chinese mafia is well-organized and operates in the country, allegedly succeeding due to their Filipino accomplices, so they should also be held accountable.
According to the lawmaker, the Chinese mafia started importing illegal drugs into the country, and to legitimize the drug money, they needed to launder it, which led to the establishment of POGOs.
“Aside from drugs, this syndicate also managed to bring in billions of pesos from illicit activities, which they then channel into casinos and POGOs to clean and pretend that it was won from gambling,” said Barbers.
The Chinese mafia also allegedly used their money to bribe Filipinos, allowing them to obtain birth certificates that were used to acquire land and establish businesses.
“All of this would not have happened if other local government officials did not help and conspire with foreigners to transfer these properties (businesses and lands) into their hands,” explained Barbers. As a result, the Quad-Comm is reportedly determined to hold all Filipinos accountable who can be proven to have assisted these Chinese nationals in carrying out their criminal activities in the Philippines.
