Senators alarmed over alleged Chinese army uniforms in Pampanga POGO hub

June 11, 2024 , 05:34 PM

By Clarist Mae Zablan

(June 11, 2024) – Some senators on Tuesday expressed alarm after authorities unearthed supposed uniforms of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in a raid at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, who also chairs the Senate defense panel, said authorities must not ignore the issue, whether the uniforms are legitimate or only used as props.

“[The] pieces of alleged People’s Liberation Army (PLA) uniforms found in the raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga serve as a strong indication that the extent of scams perpetrated by these unscrupulous individuals is beyond comprehension,” Estrada said in a statement.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the discovery “only corroborates information shared by intelligence agencies establishing credible links between POGOs and foreign intelligence assets.”

“Someone is hellbent on compromising our sovereignty,” she said. “The implications of these uniforms should send chills down our spine.”

Sen. Win Gatchalian also called the supposed uniforms “is clear evidence that POGOs are a national security threat to our nation.”

For his part, Sen. Bong Revilla said he would not rush to any conclusion about the finding, but noted that people cannot be blamed for people alarmed by it.

“At kung talagang banta man ang mga nakitang PLA uniforms sa seguridad ng ating bansa, kailangang umaksyon agad ang mga kinauukulan,” Revilla said.

On the other hand, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel declined to comment, saying he will let investigators provide more information on the issue.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said it will look into whether there is a presence of Chinese military personnel inside the POGO hub in Porac.

However, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the supposed uniform is likely only used as props, military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.

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