Part Seven: The Wider Political Context

Manny  Go is providing substantial financial donations to the 2013 election campaigns of two members of the Jalosjos family: Dominador “Jun” Jalosjos, who is running for Governor of Zamboanga del Sur, and Marjorie “Cat” Jalosjos, who is running for the congressional seat of the 2nd District of Zamboanga del Sur. Jun is standing against incumbent […]

Part Six: Other Chinese Connections

 Other prominent businessmen have come up in our investigations. Some are directly involved in illegal mining. Others may have unwittingly provided access to various Chinese companies and its government. Emmanuel “Boy” Sy A well-connected owner of Mayer Steel Pipes Corporation. Mayer Steel runs a processing plant in Bayog, very close to Balabag Hill in Zamboanga […]

Part Five: The Supporting Cast

For Go’s ambitions in Balabag to be realized, he would need capable support. Emilio Go, Manny’s younger brother, is referred to by Zamboanga sources as Manny’s “foot-soldier”.  Manny’s trips to Bayog are infrequent, as he appears to spend much of time overseas, presumably searching for potential business partners. Emil is tasked with much of the […]

Part Four: Hiding Behind Indigenous Peoples Causes

One of Manny Go’s tactics has been to attempt to discredit TVI Resources Development Inc. (TVIRD) in the eyes of the local community, particularly the indigenous Subanen peoples. However, his support for the indigenous peoples is highly questionable. Go is merely using Lupa Pigigetawan to attempt to deliberately mislead both the local population, and government […]

Part Three: Enter the Dragon

Given the Chinese government’s voracious global appetite for natural resources, it is hardly surprising that they should show keen interest in resource-rich Mindanao. Tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated in recent years, so any Chinese company with business interests in Mindanao, especially in such a politically-sensitive sector as mining, would have to tread […]

Part Two: Mission, “Get TVI Resources Development Inc. out of Balabag”

The battle for control of Balabag Hill, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur and its rich gold deposits involves a cast of characters from all echelons of Philippines society tangled in a complex web of collusion and deceit. At the center of this dispute is Manuel Salazar Go, a wealthy Chinese-Filipino businessman from Cebu City. Go is […]

Part One: Moving In For the Kill

Manny Go is in many ways the central cog in the ongoing battle for Balabag Hill in Zamboanga del Sur. Go is a wealthy Chinese-Filipino businessmen-cum-lawyer based in Cebu. He has spent much of his career working for the Aboitiz Group, and it is through his work in Mindanao as a Trustee of the Ramon […]