AFP probing targets of cars with alleged spy devices

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is investigating the intended targets of vehicles with devices capable of collecting data from nearby mobile phones that were recently intercepted by authorities. 

According to Chino Gaston’s 24 Oras report, the discovery has raised serious national security concerns, with analysts pointing to a broader intelligence-gathering effort by China.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) halted the vehicles. They were found to be equipped with IMSI catchers —gadgets capable of harvesting cellphone information— and drove near high-security locations such as Malacañang Palace, Camp Aguinaldo, Camp Crame, and Villamor Air Base. 

Authorities said the vehicles were operated by Filipinos allegedly under the direction of Chinese citizens identified as Ni Quinhui and Zheng Wei.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that the military is working to determine which facilities or officials were being monitored.

"Sino ba mga target nilang personalities na makuha nitong equipment na ito and of course cyber related enabled disinformation and psychological operations,” she said. 

(Who are the personalities being targeted by this equipment? This also raises concerns about cyber-enabled disinformation and psychological operations.)

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Despite the potential espionage threat, the AFP reassured the public that it has sufficient counter-intelligence measures in place to detect and prevent surveillance activities.

“Meron nga po tayong sinasabi nating detectors and catchers, ito pong mga ito ang magbibigay ng necessary kumbaga alerts kung meron tayong [kailangang pagtuunan] ng pansin,” Padilla said. 

(We have detection and interception systems that provide necessary alerts should any security risks require our attention.)

This latest development follows the arrest of six foreigners and their Filipino accomplices in separate intelligence operations conducted in Palawan and Metro Manila last January. Authorities suspect these individuals may have been engaged in surveillance activities within the country.

Security analysts warn that China’s intelligence-gathering efforts extend beyond the Philippines. Renato de Castro, a security expert, pointed to increasing aggression in the region, including the China Coast Guard’s harassment of Philippine vessels, deployment of underwater drones near Mindoro, and other activities that suggest larger strategic preparations.

“The Chinese are conducting what we call all domain intelligence gathering. They are building a powerful navy, also building a coast guard very aggressive not only against The Philippines but against Taiwan, against Japan, against Australia and New Zealand so I think the Chinese are preparing for something big,”  said de Castro. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News