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

FAKE OR NOT, STILL ALARMING: Authorities show some of the military uniforms and pins found in the Pogo complex in Porac, Pampanga, raided by a team led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on complaints of human trafficking. —photo from PAOCC

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, Maj. Gen. Leo Francsico, the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said on Monday.

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

“There are four sets of military uniforms, and as of today, it seems they 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,” Francisco, speaking partly in Filipino, said in a press conference on Monday.

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

Earlier, the spokesperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), 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 Corp., which leased the land to Lucky South 99, the most extensive facility raided in Pampanga. PAOCC earlier reported that the establishment has 46 buildings, including villas, other structures, and a golf course.

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.