AFP validates report on 3,000 alleged PLA members in PH

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is validating a report claiming an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) are in the country.

Senator Panfilo Lacson stated that the presence of PLA members in the Philippines is a "test and challenge" to the country's intelligence community.

Lacson initially brought the report to light, suggesting these PLA members might be on an "immersion mission" for unknown purposes.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo stated that the Palace is "always alarmed" by developments affecting national interest and security and described the claim as a "raw intelligence report" that needs validation.

Senator Richard Gordon suggested that PLA members might be infiltrating Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) for intelligence gathering, following the discovery of PLA identification cards from suspects in a Makati City shooting incident.

Lacson emphasized that the intelligence community should exert extra effort to gather information to resolve the issue.