Detained Pogo figure Tony Yang hospitalized after coughing up blood

Tony Yang. Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Detained Chinese businessman Tony Yang was brought to the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City on Monday after coughing up blood, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Yang, whose real name is Yang Jian Xin, was identified as a key figure in Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) during the Senate’s investigation into the gambling hubs.

In a statement on Tuesday early morning, the PAOCC said, “At around 1 p.m. [on Monday], Mr. Yang complained of congested chest pains and showed the on-duty PAOCC personnel his blood-covered handkerchief.”

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“He has been diagnosed with suspected tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by the attending physician at the hospital. He has been released while waiting for the confirmatory results of his laboratory tests,” the commission added.

The detained Chinese businessman had been coughing up blood for three straight days, the PAOCC explained.

“Mr. Yang is the latest in a series of PAOCC wards who have been hospitalized for various medical issues. However, his case is the most serious, needing immediate and long-term attention,” it added.

The commission did not detail how many individuals under its custody were hospitalized and for what causes.

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Yang faces complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Northern Mindanao for falsification of public documents, perjury, and violation of a 1936 law that required judicial authority before any person can use an alias, except as a pseudonym for literary purposes.

He is the brother of Michael Yang, the former economic advisor to then-President Rodrigo Duterte.