Authorities have recovered an alleged badge belonging to a Chinese military sergeant in an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub located in Porac, Pampanga. This “outstanding badge” was found during ongoing inspections of the facility, as reported by Jonathan Andal on X (formerly Twitter).
Additional Findings
In addition to the badge, more suspected Chinese military uniforms were seized from dorm rooms within the hub. This marks the third consecutive day that inspections have yielded such uniforms. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is currently investigating the authenticity of these uniforms. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) suggested that the uniforms might have been used as props by POGO workers for illicit online transactions.
A camouflage uniform marked “airborne” was also discovered at the Lucky South 99 POGO compound.
Background and Related Incidents
Last week, a search warrant was executed against the POGO hub following allegations of human trafficking within the 10-hectare establishment. The hub is suspected of involvement in various criminal activities, including human trafficking, sex trafficking, torture, kidnapping, and scamming. During the operation, 158 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, were rescued. Authorities also seized equipment used for scams and skimpy outfits for females.
National Security Concerns
PAOCC previously reported that approximately 300 POGOs are illegally operating in the Philippines. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has labeled criminal syndicates masquerading as POGO hubs as a “national security concern.”
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is forming a task force to investigate the raid in Tarlac and verify if the POGO hub had a valid mayor’s permit. Porac Mayor Jaime Capil has denied allegations that he protected the POGO compound.