PH vows assistance to Pinoys detained in China over alleged espionage

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday the government would provide all the necessary assistance to the three Filipinos detained in China over alleged espionage.

In a statement, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said the agency has been formally made aware of the allegations against the three Filipinos.

“Protecting the rights and interests of the said Filipinos remains the prime priority for the Philippine Government,” Daza said.

“The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou is providing all necessary assistance, including appropriate legal support, for the said Filipinos,” she added.

The DFA already conveyed to the Chinese Government that these allegations should be tried with due process and with full respect to the rights of the said Filipinos in accordance with domestic law as well as the Philippines-China Consular Agreement.

"China’s state security authorities have uncovered a case of Filipino espionage and apprehended three Filipino nationals who were suspected of spying in the country,” Global Times said on X (formerly Twitter).

“The investigation revealed that Philippine intelligence agencies have long been focused on gathering information about China’s military deployments,” it added.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Chinese authorities would “strictly handle” the case.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it has yet to receive and official report on the matter. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News