House quad comm eyes deeper probe after Michael Yang brother's arrest

Four House of Representatives committees said on Friday that the arrest of the brother of former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang will help advance the lower chamber’s investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and drug smuggling in the country. 

“This is a major breakthrough in our fight against illegal drugs and organized crime. Tony Yang’s arrest exposes illicit activities disguised as legitimate businesses," said Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, overall chair of the Quad Committee. 

Tony Yang, who was arrested on Thursday based on a mission order, is said to own the Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation, which has a warehouse that was constructed in 2018 in Cagayan de Oro, the same time the POGO hubs in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac Pampanga were being built. 

He was also previously invited to a House hearing in connection with the POGO at the Alwana compound in Cagayan de Oro, which he also owned. 

“For too long, these individuals have operated with impunity, using corporate fronts to conceal their illegal operations. This arrest strengthens our commitment to pursuing justice and holding everyone involved in these syndicates accountable, no matter how well-connected they may be,” Barbers added, noting that Tony’s arrest will also strengthen the case against his brother Michael. 

Michael Yang is a subject of an arrest order issued by the House committee on dangerous drugs following a contempt citation for his absences in the hearings on the P3.6 billion drug buy-bust in Pampanga, where he is also being linked. 

On the other hand, House committee on public order and safety chairperson Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez said that the quad committee will also look into the possible connection between Tony and dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. 

“The financial links between Tony Yang and Alice Guo are part of a larger conspiracy that we are determined to unravel,” Fernandez said. “The matrix we’ve uncovered reveals a sophisticated network spanning multiple illegal activities, and we will not rest until all those involved are held accountable.”

The Quad Committee is composed of the following panels: Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/AOL, GMA Integrated News