NorMin police probe firearm license issued to POGO-linked suspect

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: The Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) is investigating the legitimacy of documents used by a businessman linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) to acquire a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF). The matter came to light during a recent Senate committee hearing, where it was revealed that Tony Yang, who claimed residency in this city since the late 1990s, was issued an LTOPF by a PRO-10 unit. In a radio interview on Wednesday, PRO-10 spokesperson Joann Navarro emphasized the rigorous process involved in securing an LTOPF, noting that all required documents undergo strict verification. "The LTOPF system is centralized, and we will request the central office to review the documents submitted by Yang," Navarro said. She added that only Filipino citizens are eligible to obtain an LTOPF. The Department of Justice said the real name of Yang, a brother of former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, is Yang Jian Xin. Further allegations suggest that he registered under the name Antonio Maestrado Lim and operates a steel company in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental province, as well as a suspected POGO in this city. Navarro said investigation is ongoing as authorities work to verify the authenticity of the firearms license documents and Yang's citizenship status. Source: Philippines News Agency