AKO Bicol reveals Chinese infiltration

By Jason Neola

AKO Bicol Partylist Representative Jil Bongalon has issued a grave warning to Bicolanos about a national threat resulting from significant infiltration of Chinese individuals into the Philippines. He highlighted an alarming trend, detailing sightings of increasing numbers of Chinese students in Tuguegarao City and Aurora province in Central Luzon.

Bongalon expressed concern over the strategic approach of these foreign individuals, emphasizing their “friendly” engagement with the members of the local communities through business and political activities.

Further exacerbating the situation, Bongalon reported that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) might be under Chinese control, with all its machinery and equipment reportedly made in China.

Local journalists interviewing the party-list representative voiced concerns about the Chinese-made equipment, suggesting it could be vulnerable to manipulation by foreign intruders to disrupt the country’s power supply.

Recent Senate investigations into Mayor Alice Gou of Bamban, Tarlac, and her alleged connections to Chinese criminal activities, including illegal operations of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), add to the gravity of the situation.

It should be recalled that in March, this year, over 800 Filipinos and foreign nationals were rescued from the POGO firm in Bamban, linked to illegal activities like crypto and love scams. Potential surveillance activities and the possibility of government website hacking at the POGO firm were also highlighted by Senator Risa Hontiveros.

Concerns were also raised about a Confucius Institute in Cagayan teaching Chinese language and culture, potentially influencing the communities and local governance. Reports suggest Chinese students in Tuguegarao might be spies, given the region’s strategic importance being the site of the US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

In response, the Philippines is tightening visa processes and enhancing scrutiny on entrants to manage the situation, assuring that the country remains vigilant and in control.