Police Find No Evidence of Chinese Nationals Involved in Illegal Activities in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY — The regional police chief of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) confirmed on Tuesday that there is no verified involvement of Chinese nationals in illegal activities in Iloilo City, particularly regarding allegations of illegal gambling.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO 6 (Western Visayas) Director, the clarification comes in response to claims made last week by Iloilo City Rep. Julienne Baronda during a media interview, citing a report by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) about the alleged criminal activities. Wanky stated that he had directed the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to conduct thorough monitoring, which has so far not substantiated the NBI’s claims. “We relied on our troops on the ground to monitor, especially in subdivisions where the alleged Chinese are staying, but it turned out negative,” he explained.

Further inquiries revealed a misunderstanding involving residents of a local subdivision. Wanky noted, “There was also a report of Chinese nationals renting a place in one subdivision last week, which turned out to be Filipino citizens with a company engaged in information technology and selling computers.” He recommended that city hall officials verify the legality of the business operations within the residential area.

Wanky also mentioned that there is no current necessity to establish a special investigative body given the lack of evidence supporting the allegations of illegal activity. Mayor Jerry P. Treñas echoed this sentiment in a separate interview, questioning the specifics of the illegal activities referenced by the NBI and stressing the responsibility of the NBI to act if their reports were accurate. “If there is really something illegal being done, it is incumbent upon the NBI to catch these people, arrest them. If you do not arrest, then it means you condone them. We do not condone anything illegal here,” Treñas stated.

The mayor disclosed that the ICPO, led by Col. Kim Legada, is preparing to take action, although details of their plans were not publicly shared.