Senators have renewed their calls to dissolve all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) following the finding of Chinese military uniforms in a recent search at a POGO center in Porac, Pampanga, which one senator feels should “send chills down our spines.”

Sen. Risa Hontiveros stated on Tuesday that the identification of the purported PLO uniforms in the Lucky South 99 facility validates the conclusions of intelligence services linking POGOs to “foreign intelligence assets.”

“Someone is hellbent on compromising our sovereignty,” Hontiveros said.

“The implications of these uniforms should send chills down our spine. It is so clear that every POGO has exploited our economic vulnerabilities and that POGOs have now evolved into a breeding ground for crime and a national security threat,” the senator added.

Authorities found alleged Chinese military uniforms with designs connected to the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force (CAPF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) at Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Incorporated in Porac, Pampanga.

The finding of the uniforms, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, poses a “national security threat.”

POGOs have “opened the doors, not only to criminal syndicates but also to those who want to destabilize and infiltrate” the Philippine government, Gatchalian added.

Additionally, Sen. Grace Poe has urged the outlawing of all POGOs, citing the scope and size of their illicit operations as “appalling and costly for Filipinos.”

When search efforts resumed on the 10-hectare Thai Court property in Sitio Pulung Maba, Barangay Sta. Cruz, June 10, Monday, officials discovered at least six sets of uniforms bearing emblems and distinguishing marks of the PLA and CAPF, along with two combat boots.

PLA Uniforms Probably Used as “Props” – AFP

The public’s fears over the reported Chinese military uniforms found in the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga, were allayed on Tuesday by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who stated that they were most likely just props.

This was made possible, according to AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Padilla, because POGO operations are known to engage in a variety of illicit activities, such as internet scams.

“The presence of Chinese military uniforms may likely be used as props in these illicit online transactions,” Padilla said.

“The limited number of PLA (People’s Liberation Army) uniforms found suggests they are more indicative of use in deceptive activities rather than any preparation for an invasion,” the colonel added.

Padilla added that the AFP does not want to create unnecessary panic in the public.

“Rest assured, the AFP is committed to protecting the people and securing the state. We are fully cooperating with PAOCC’s ongoing investigation to clarify this matter,” the colonel added.

PAOCC to Investigate the Possibility of PLA Troops Guised as POGO Employees

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) stated that it would look into the possibility of Chinese military troops operating in the nation under the guise of POGO employees.

The PAOCC executed a search warrant at the POGO hub last week in response to a complaint alleging that human trafficking was taking place within the 10-hectare facility. It was also allegedly involved in a number of illegal operations, such as kidnapping, sex trafficking, torture, and scamming.

During the operation, 158 foreign nationals—mostly Chinese—were saved. Skimpy female attire and equipment for scamming operations were also found within the facility.

Alleged Chinese Fugitive Apprehended

Furthermore, an alleged Chinese fugitive was apprehended by authorities at the POGO facility over the weekend. He is reportedly involved in torture and kidnapping.

Police discovered images of a possible cadaver, torture victims, and bundles of P1,000 cash on the suspect’s cell phone.

📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB