3 Filipinos nabbed for suspected espionage — Chinese state media

Chinese state media Global Times on Thursday reported that three Filipinos were allegedly arrested for suspected espionage.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it has yet to receive an official report on the matter.

“China’s state security authorities have uncovered a case of Filipino espionage and apprehended three Filipino nationals 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 will “strictly handle” the case.

“China’s judicial and relevant authorities will strictly handle the case in accordance with law, and protect the lawful rights and interests of the personnel involved,” Guo said.  

In a statement,  AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said it is still awaiting an official report, but added it is prepared to lend support " as needed."

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines has not received any official report from relevant authorities regarding the alleged espionage claims. We defer to the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is currently verifying the situation through appropriate diplomatic channels," Padilla said.

"The AFP recognizes the significance of this matter. As it falls under the purview of the Department of Foreign Affairs, or DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) we defer to their expertise and mandate. The AFP remains ready to support as needed," she added.

GMA News Online has also sought comment from the Philippine Embassy in China, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of National Defense (DND), National Security Council (NSC), and Philippine National Police (PNP) about the report, but they have yet to provide a statement as of posting time.

Meanwhile, Philippine authorities in the past months have arrested suspected Chinese spies in Manila.

Guo called the arrests “a typical act of stigmatization and politicization based on presumption of guilt in the absence of clear evidence.”

“China urges the Philippines to stop shadow-chasing and making false accusations, handle the cases concerning Chinese citizens in a just manner and in accordance with the law, and effectively protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines,” he said.

The AFP earlier said it is improving its intelligence and cyber defense amid the reported espionage activities in the country.

National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año urged Congress to amend the Espionage Act as well as the Countering Foreign Interference and Malign Influence bill. —VAL/RF, GMA Integrated News