Ramp up security vs Chinese espionage, DND urged
Credit to Author: Delon Porcalla| Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — Recent arrests by state security forces of Chinese spies should prompt the Department of National Defense to level up its intelligence-gathering system to safeguard the country’s national security amid repeated encroachment attempts by China.
“This is not just a simple case of a foreigner who is merely curious about our government. These spies obviously have the intent, and a plan of action. We cannot just brush this aside. We have to make sure that we have sufficient measures to counter such foreign spies,” Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun said.
He also called on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro to enhance security measures across key government facilities, military installations and embassies nationwide.
“It is not enough that we just issue a simple condemnation about these incidents, which we observed are now in succession. We have to strengthen our counterintelligence and ensure that we have the right technology to avert these spying activities within our territory,” he said.
Khonghun also sounded the alarm over spying incidents, warning that foreign intelligence operations could be deeply embedded within national security infrastructure.
While calling out foreign actors is important, he said internal security protocols should be reviewed and strengthened.
On Feb. 20, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended five people – two Chinese nationals and three Filipinos – for alleged violations of the Espionage Act.
Authorities revealed that the group was reportedly conducting surveillance on sensitive sites in Metro Manila, including Malacañang, the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo, and the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame.
NBI agents discovered that the group utilized vehicles equipped with International Mobile Subscriber Identity catchers, devices capable of intercepting mobile communications.
The Filipino suspects claimed they were hired as drivers by one of the Chinese nationals, receiving daily wages between P2,500 and P3,000, and were instructed to operate near key government facilities.
Subsequent operations led to the arrest of the two Chinese suspects at a condominium in Manila.
This incident follows a similar case in January, when five Chinese nationals were arrested for allegedly monitoring Philippine Coast Guard and Navy operations in Palawan.
The suspects were found to have installed high-resolution, solar-powered cameras aimed at critical maritime activities, including the resupply missions to troops stationed in the West Philippine Sea.
Authorities found unauthorized surveillance devices and detailed maps of restricted government zones in the possession of the suspects.
A 2025 report by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike revealed a 150-percent increase in cyber espionage activities attributed to China. Industries such as finance, media and engineering have been among the primary targets.