MANILA: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday called for a Senate investigation into the reported growing presence of foreign nationals in upscale gated subdivisions.
The foreigners are suspected to be working in Internet Gaming Licensees (ILGs), formerly called Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
The senator cited the concerns of homeowners in Multinational Village, Paranaque City about a supposed enclave catering exclusively to foreign nationals in their subdivision.
‘This is something worthy of attention. We need to ensure that any significant gathering of foreign nationals is not for the purpose of engaging in illegal activities given the trend of rising criminality attributed to these individuals involved in the industry,’ Gatchalian said in a news release.
The lawmaker cited a raid by the National Bureau of Investigation at a residence in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City in November 2023, which led to the arrest of 11 Chinese nationals allegedly conducting illegal online gambling activ
ities.
“Nakakabahala na maaaring mga pugante na galing sa ibang bansa ang mga nakatira sa mga subdivision na ito. Alam nila kung paano gumalaw at kung sino ang kakausapin dahil pinag-aaralan ng mga sindikatong ito ang galawan dito (It is cause for worry that the people living in these subdivisions may be fugitives from other countries. They know how to move and who to talk to because these syndicates study the movement here),” Gatchalian said, adding that foreign syndicates may be enjoying protection from high-ranking officials.
Gatchalian is one of the senators advocating for the termination of ILG operations in the country, saying that the social costs of allowing them far outweigh the economic gains.
Source: Philippines News Agency