Pinoys accused of spying in China to get assistance

MANILA, Philippines — All necessary assistance will be provided to the three Filipinos arrested in China over alleged spying charges, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

“The Department has been formally made aware of the allegations against the three Filipinos who are currently detained in China,” it said in a statement.

The DFA noted that “protecting the rights and interests of the said Filipinos remains the prime priority for the Philippine government.”

“The Philippine consulate general in Guangzhou is providing all necessary assistance, including appropriate legal support, for the said Filipinos,” it noted.

The DFA has asked the Chinese government to ensure that the allegations are tried with due process and with full respect for the rights of the Filipinos in accordance with domestic law and the Philippines-China Consular Agreement.

Chinese state media Global Times reported on Thursday that state security authorities have allegedly uncovered a case of Filipino espionage and has arrested three suspected spies.

“The investigation revealed that Philippine intelligence agencies have long been focused on gathering information about China’s military deployments,” the report said.

Allegedly, one Filipino residing in China, who allegedly repeatedly visited areas near Chinese military facilities, was being directed by a “Philippine handler” engaging in espionage and intelligence-gathering activities within China.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), for its part, said it 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,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.

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

NBI: What harassment?

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clapped back at the Chinese embassy, after the latter, in a travel advisory, accused the Philippine government of targeting its citizens in law enforcement operations.

“When law enforcement agencies conduct interrogations or investigations, their primary goal is to maintain public safety and protect the interests of the broader community,” the NBI said in a statement.

“These actions are not acts of arbitrary harassment but essential components of enforcing the law and protecting public welfare,” it added.

The NBI explained that these enforcement actions serve multiple purposes. Authorities conduct regular checks and interrogations to ensure compliance with Philippine laws by both foreign nationals and local businesses.

Investigations also aim to prevent the escalation of criminal activities, particularly those linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and other illicit enterprises.

Moreover, strict enforcement of the law underscores the Philippines’ commitment to upholding national sovereignty, applying legal measures equally to all individuals regardless of nationality.

The government has intensified its crackdown on POGO operations due to documented cases of fraud, money laundering and human trafficking involving foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens.

In March, the NBI arrested six Chinese nationals in Zambales for allegedly spying on US and Philippine Navy ship movements.

“Our goal is to ensure a safe and lawful environment for all residents, whether locals or foreigners,” the NBI said.

“Diplomatic concerns must be balanced with the reality that crime knows no nationality, and law enforcement must act in the interest of national security,” it added. — Mark Ernest Villeza, Bella Cariaso