Alleged Chinese military 'outstanding badge' seized in Porac POGO hub

An alleged badge of a Chinese military sergeant was recovered in an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

The "outstanding badge" was discovered as authorities resumed their inspection of the facility, according to GMA Integrated News’ Jonathan Andal on X (formerly Twitter).

There were also more suspected Chinese military uniforms seized in the dorm rooms, marking the third straight day the inspections yielded such uniforms.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) earlier said it is investigating the legitimacy of the uniforms, but the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it was possible that the uniforms were only used as props by POGO workers in their illicit online transactions.

A camouflage uniform bearing the marks “airborne” was likewise recovered from the Lucky South 99 POGO compound.

Last week, the PAOCC implemented a search warrant against the POGO hub based on a complaint of alleged human trafficking happening inside the 10-hectare establishment.

It was also reportedly involved  in various criminal activities that include human trafficking, sex trafficking, torture, kidnapping, and scamming.

A total of 158 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, were rescued during the operation. Also seized in the compound are equipment used for scam, and skimpy outfits for females. 

PAOCC said earlier that there are around 300 POGOs illegally operating in the country.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. described criminal syndicates posing as POGO hubs as a "national security concern."

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), meanwhile, is forming a task force to look into the Tarlac raid and determine if a mayor's permit was issued for the POGO hub.

Porac Mayor Jaime Capil previously denied accusations that he was a protector of the POGO compound. —VAL, GMA Integrated News