Key player in POGO hubs operations nabbed

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese tagged as a key player in the operations of two illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator or POGO hubs that were shut down by the government was arrested in Parañaque on Friday.

Benjamin Acorda Jr., Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission executive director, said Huang Mingmin was arrested during a joint operation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and PAOCC.

Police officers arrested Huang at 12:30 a.m. while he was hiding in a building in Barangay Tambo.

Acorda said Huang was using the aliases Yang Bin, Sy Wang and A Bao to elude arrest.

Authorities said Huang has established his presence within the local business sector, acquiring real properties and fishing vessels in Jomalig Island and other areas in Quezon province.

Acorda said Huang was among the Chinese people who facilitated the operations of Zun Yuan Technology in Bamban, Tarlac and Lucky South 99 in  Porac, Pampanga.

He was also among the people listed in a search warrant issued by a court in Malolos, Bulacan for serious illegal detention and violation of Republic Act 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Huang has a warrant of arrest for qualified trafficking in persons issued by a Pasig Court. He is detained at Camp Crame and will be presented before the courts to face trial.

Acorda, a former PNP chief, also called on local government officials, students, workers, members of the academe, business groups and other sectors to join forces in protecting the country from emerging security threats.

“The defense of the nation is no longer only a matter of defending territory. It is also a matter of defending truth, institutions, economic sovereignty and the Filipino people’s confidence in their own country,” Acorda said.

He said threats could take many forms and affect not only the information people receive, but also the economy, supply chains, infrastructure, public institutions and maritime domain.