PNP says no evidence Chinese soldiers in the country

March 9, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said there is still no evidence that Chinese soldiers are in the country.

In a press briefing, PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa was asked if there is evidence on the claim of Senator Panfilo Lacson Jr that around 2000 to 3000 Chinese soldiers entered the country as tourists or as workers in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

“No, none,” Gamboa said.

The allegations came after two Chinese suspects who were involved in a shooting incident in Makati City were found with two People's Liberation Army (PLA) identification cards.

PNP earlier said names and photos in the IDs where not of the two Chinese involved.

Last Friday, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday said they are investigating the reports.

“We are already investigating it… we are checking if the PLA IDs are real and if the said information is a threat to the national security,” he said.

The interior secretary said they are coordinating with the Chinese embassy.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also said they are validating the  reports.

"We are in the process of validating the report of Sen. Lacson that being a matter of serious concern," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., said in a statement.

"I have my staff for intelligence to confirm reports in coordination with other relevant agencies of government," he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS