6 foreigners, 2 Filipinos linked to espionage, kidnapping nabbed in Subic Bay

Six foreign nationals and two Filipinos linked to suspected espionage and kidnapping activities were arrested in Grande Island, Subic Bay on Wednesday, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Thursday. 

In a statement, the DND said Philippine authorities served an arrest warrant to five Chinese nationals, one Cambodian, and two Filipinos for violating the Securities Regulation Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“The arrest exposes the unlawful nature, including suspected espionage and kidnapping activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), for which some foreign nationals are using Grande Island under the guise of private enterprises,” the DND said.

“Such activities, which may be part of larger criminal network operations, pose a serious threat to our national security,” it added.

Recovered from the arrested persons were multiple cellphones and laptops, one caliber 9mm firearm, and 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition, according to the DND.

The DND said it is considering declaring Grande Island and nearby Chiquita Island as "military reservations."

“This will ultimately help secure the operations of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone including the Riviera Wharf and the Subic Bay International Airport, in consonance with the ongoing development of the naval operating base of the Philippine Navy to strengthen and maintain our strategic presence along our western seaboard,” the DND said. 

“Grande Island... is a strategic vantage point with a clear view of key sea lanes in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal),” it added. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News