The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday allayed fears on the possibility of Chinese military infiltration following the recent discovery of uniforms with alleged People’s Liberation Army (PLA) buttons in a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military uniforms may have been used as props for the physical and psychological tortures of human trafficking victims in the Lucky South 99 compound.
“Regarding the discovery of alleged Chinese military uniforms at the POGO facility in Porac, Pampanga, it is important to note that POGO operations have been known to engage in various illegal activities, including online scams,” Padilla said.
“The presence of Chinese military uniforms may likely be used as props in these illicit online transactions. The limited number of PLA uniforms found suggests they are more indicative of use in deceptive activities rather than any preparation for an invasion,” the AFP official added.
Padilla also said the AFP is cooperating with various investigating bodies on the matter.
“We do not want to cause unnecessary panic. Rest assured, the AFP is committed to protecting the people and securing the state,” she noted.
Padilla said they are working with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in its ongoing investigation of the recently raided Pampanga POGO site.