SPIES THREAT
A lawmaker has urged Defense Sec. Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro to enhance security measures across key government facilities, military installations, and embassies nationwide.
Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun made the appeal following recent arrests of alleged Chinese spies within the Philippines and stressed the urgent need to prevent foreign espionage activities that threaten national security.
He sounded the alarm over these incidents, warning that foreign intelligence operations could already be deeply embedded within national security infrastructures.
“Hindi ito simpleng kaso ng mga dayuhang na-curious sa ating gobyerno. May intensyon ito, may plano. Hindi natin puwedeng ipagkibit-balikat. Kailangan nating tiyakin na may sapat tayong depensa laban sa paniniktik ng ibang bansa,” Khonghun said.
Khonghun said that while calling out foreign actors is important, internal security protocols should also be reviewed and strengthened.
“Hindi sapat ang simpleng pagkondena. Kailangan nating palakasin ang ating counterintelligence, tiyakin na may sapat tayong teknolohiya para mapigilan ang paniniktik, at palawakin ang koordinasyon ng ating mga ahensya,” Khonghun said.
On February 20, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended five individuals—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(AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The NBI discovered that the group utilized vehicles equipped with International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) 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 Malate, Manila.
This incident follows a similar case in January 2025, 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 who conducted the recent operations found unauthorized surveillance devices and detailed maps of restricted government zones in the possession of the suspects. These findings suggest a coordinated effort to infiltrate and gather sensitive information.
Teodoro has previously addressed these issues, urging foreign entities to respect Philippine sovereignty.
The Philippines is not alone in facing threats from foreign intelligence operations. 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.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has also reported a significant rise in suspected Chinese espionage cases, with authorities filing cases against individuals, including military personnel, for allegedly leaking sensitive information.
