The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking into the deeper connections between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and rising crime perpetrated by Chinese nationals in the country.
"Right now we are looking into deeper connections of the POGO to other violations which may go beyond common crimes," announced Philippine Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad in a press briefing.
Trinidad made the statement following various incidents involving Chinese nationals, including the arrest of one found with equipment allegedly used in espionage and unlicensed firearms.
During the same briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla disclosed that they are monitoring POGO activities.
The two officials issued these statements following the seizure of suspected People's Liberation Army (PLA) uniforms in a scam farm located in Porac, Pampanga.
Padilla ensured the AFP had contingency plans in place, should the public's fears prove true and the Chinese military infiltrate the Philippines.
"Especially with the POGO's presence in the country ... continuous na po 'yung ating ginagawa diyan na monitoring [the monitoring we are doing is now continuous]," she said. "We have contingency plans in place, and risks-based analysis, and we have the necessary reactions."
