Chinese military uniforms in Pogo raid appear to be ‘souvenirs’ – PNP chief

Chinese military uniforms in Pogo raid appear to be ‘souvenirs’ – PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines — Alleged Chinese military uniforms found in the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub in Pampanga appear to be “souvenirs” used by foreign workers, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Marbil said on Monday.

Earlier reports revealed that the uniforms were found all over the establishment’s dorms, villas, and offices.

“There are about four sets of military uniforms, and as of today parang ang nakikita namin dito [ito ay] mga souvenir na ginagamit ng mga Chinese nationals sa Porac hub, but we are not discounting the possibility na may iba pang reason bakit nandun yung military uniforms na ito,” Marbil said in a press conference on Monday.

READ: Pogo lawyer refutes claims of illegal activities in Pampanga hub

(There are about four sets of military uniforms, and as of today, it seems that [these are] souvenirs used by Chinese nationals in the Porac hub, but we are not discounting the possibility that there is another reason why the military uniforms are here.)

Earlier, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio revealed that a document with former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s name was found in the establishment, along with People’s Liberation Army uniforms, an “outstanding service medal” for a Chinese military sergeant, military pins, and two pairs of boots.

READ: Inventory of items in Porac Pogo hub done; letter with Roque’s name found

Casio explained that Roque was the lawyer of Whirlwind Corporation, which leased the land to Lucky South 99, the biggest facility raided in Pampanga.  PAOCC earlier reported that the establishment has a total number of 46 buildings, including villas and other structures, as well as a golf course.

Aside from these, authorities also found identification cards of a foreigner bearing different names, among what they called “a good number of disturbing discoveries” from the compound.

About two weeks ago, PAOCC and joint operatives of the Philippine National Police units conducted the raid, resulting in the “apprehension” of over 190 individuals inside the Pogo complex along Friendship Highway, Angeles City.