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.
Denne historien er fra June 12, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 12, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Under-16s need more exposure, says fraternity
There are valuable lessons to be learnt from the Singapore Under-16 football team's defeats at the recent Lion City Cup (LCC), said the community on Oct 8.
Kane given 'all-clear' for Nations League games
LONDON – Captain Harry Kane has been given the green light to remain with England for their upcoming Nations League fixtures on Oct 7, after the striker was examined by Football Association (FA) medical staff.
Historic Ohtani 50-50 ball remains in play as auction continues
LOS ANGELES – The owner of the ball that Shohei Ohtani hit for his historic 50th homer of 2024 remains in dispute, but the souvenir will continue to be auctioned off while legal proceedings continue.
DJOKOVIC STORMS PAST COBOLLI
Serb eases into Shanghai Masters last 16 after days of schedule disruption due to rain
France Rugby plans to impose strict discipline
PARIS - French Rugby Federation (FFR) president Florian Grill announced on Oct 7 an overhaul of the system of discipline in the France teams after a summer tour of Argentina was overshadowed by claims of attempted rape and racism.
CHAMPS GALORE AT SWIM WORLD CUP IN S'PORE
Star-studded cast includes Marchand, Pan, le Clos, McKeown, Zhang and Douglass
BOY XANDER LOOKING FRESH FOR THE TASK
Two-time Kranji winner returns after 29 months out, goes well in training on Oct 8
Turn down the K-pop and pay attention to K-healing
The rise of South Korean books about burnout has taken the world by storm.
How is it that Netanyahu is able to keep defying Biden?
The 'tail wagging the dog' situation is not simply about the power of the 'Israel Lobby'. Other factors in the patron-client relationship are in play too.
Most Asean fund managers avoiding new economy firms
Uncertainty over future returns, growth prospects among factors