Suspected Chinese army uniforms found in Philippine gambling den, sparking concern

Officials fear China’s military personnel have infiltrated country by posing as gaming staff

- Mara Cepeda

Philippine officials on June 11 sounded the alarm over a potential threat to national security after what were suspected to be Chinese military uniforms were found inside a gambling den linked to syndicated criminal activities.

The Philippine authorities recovered at least three military camouflage uniforms with buttons bearing the initials "PLA" during a June 4 raid on the 5.8ha compound of Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo).

There are concerns over whether Chinese military personnel have infiltrated the country and are posing as Pogo employees, Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesman Winston Casio told The Straits Times on June 11.

Lucky South 99 was apparently still running despite having its licence revoked by the government in October 2023 for alleged links to criminal activities.

Mr Casio said the PAOCC is checking if the "PLA" initials on the uniforms' buttons stood for the People's Liberation Army of China, which is embroiled in a maritime dispute with Manila over the South China Sea.

"All details with regard to the uniforms indicated that they are of Chinese origin. As to whether they have been used by military officers from the People's Republic of China, we have not yet reached that conclusion," he said.