11-6-2024 (MANILA) The recent raid on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm in Porac, Pampanga, has raised grave concerns over potential national security breaches. The discovery of suspected Chinese military uniforms and pins within the premises has ignited a firestorm of controversy, prompting lawmakers to demand swift action and transparency.
According to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the confiscation of three sets of People’s Liberation Army uniforms and military pins during the raid constitutes “clear evidence that POGOs are a national security threat to our nation.” Gatchalian’s statement, conveyed through a Viber message to reporters on Monday, underscored the urgency of the situation.
“It has opened the doors, not only to criminal syndicates, but also to those who want to destabilize and infiltrate our governmental and political institutions. This is another reason why the administration should no longer allow them to operate in our country,” asserted Gatchalian, echoing the sentiments of many concerned citizens.
Joining the chorus of alarm, Senator Risa Hontiveros stated that the implications of these uniforms should “send chills down Filipinos’ spine.” She emphasized that the discovery corroborates intelligence reports linking POGOs to foreign intelligence assets, cautioning that “someone is hellbent on compromising our sovereignty.”
“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. All POGOs are bad,” Hontiveros declared emphatically, signaling her intent to introduce legislation repealing Republic Act No. 11590, which facilitated the collection of taxes from POGOs and imposed additional levies on their operations.
Amidst the mounting concerns, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III offered a more measured perspective, suggesting that the discovery of a few uniforms should not be blown out of proportion. “If it’s only one, then let’s not waste our time on it. Maybe it’s just a souvenir or a collection. It can also be a fake uniform,” he cautioned reporters via text message.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) revealed that identification cards bearing different names belonging to a foreigner were also uncovered during the raid. PAOCC Spokesperson Winston John Casio described this as a “disturbing discovery,” further fueling suspicions of illicit activities.
Authorities reported rescuing more than 190 foreign and Filipino workers from the complex, initially raided due to reports of human trafficking, with allegations of torture and sex trafficking against some foreign employees.
