Senator Sherwin Gatchalian of the Nationalist People's Coalition has called for a Senate investigation into the increasing number of foreign nationals residing within exclusive gated communities. These foreigners are believed to have ties to Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), formerly known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The senator has drawn attention to concerns expressed by residents of Multinational Village in Parañaque City regarding the apparent emergence of a community predominantly housing foreign nationals.
He stressed the necessity of thorough scrutiny to ensure that concentrations of foreign individuals do not serve as fronts for illegal activities, particularly in light of rising criminal incidents linked to the gambling industry.
Citing a recent raid by the National Bureau of Investigation in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, where 11 Chinese nationals were apprehended for alleged involvement in illegal online gambling, the senator expressed deep concern.
The senator raised the possibility of these upscale subdivisions harboring fugitives from other countries, suggesting that such syndicates may have local protection.
Gatchalian, a vocal advocate for ending Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL) operations in the country, emphasized the negative societal impacts outweighing any purported economic benefits.
0 Comments