Hontiveros Finds Arrest of Chinese Fugitive in House Linked to Roque 'Strange'

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MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised concerns about the discovery of a Chinese fugitive connected to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations in a house in Tuba, Benguet, which former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has an interest in.


In a "24 Oras" report by Jun Veneracion on Wednesday, Hontiveros highlighted the Interpol red notice for Sun Liming, a "fugitive wanted for prosecution," found in the house linked to Roque.


“It’s puzzling that a high-profile fugitive like Sun Liming, who is on Interpol's Red Notice, ended up hiding in a house associated with Harry Roque,” Hontiveros remarked.


Roque's Connection


During a Senate hearing, Roque admitted to being an incorporator of the company that owns the house in Tuba, Benguet, where Sun Liming and another foreign national were arrested. Sun Liming was identified by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission as the IT manager for Lucky South 99, a POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga. This firm was previously involved in an appeal to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for unpaid debts and a license reapplication, a matter in which Roque was also involved.


Roque clarified that he only accompanied Kassandra Li Ong, the corporate secretary of Whirlwind Corporation and a representative of Lucky South 99, in her meeting with PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco.


Concerns Over POGO-Linked Criminal Activity


Hontiveros voiced her concerns over the rising number of foreign criminals entering the Philippines through POGO operations. “The presence of foreign criminals due to POGO is alarming. While a ban has been announced, we need to enact measures in the Senate to ensure this industry does not return,” she stated.


Roque's Response


In response, Roque expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the Bureau of Immigration, and the Chinese Embassy to ensure justice is served. He asserted that his company was unaware of Sun Liming's presence and apologized to the Chinese authorities.


Roque urged Hontiveros to allow the police to conduct their investigation and refrain from politicizing the issue. “Senator Hontiveros should let the police handle the investigation. PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz has stated that they are still investigating Sun Liming's alleged ties to illegal POGOs,” Roque commented.


Roque also denied any involvement in illegal POGO operations, stressing his commitment to the law and the legal profession. “The lawmaker should stop her unfounded accusations. I would never support or engage in activities that violate the law,” Roque added.


This ongoing situation underscores the complexities and challenges of addressing illegal POGO operations and related criminal activities in the Philippines.

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