Chinese national nabbed with spy devices near Comelec main office

A Chinese national, Tak Hoi Lao, was apprehended near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Manila with alleged spy devices, including an IMSI catcher, prompting the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to file charges of espionage and violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The suspect, who claimed to be a tourist, had been observed circling the Comelec vicinity for five days prior to his arrest.

Authorities are investigating if the operation was targeting Comelec and potentially intercepting data, with the Palace deeming the incident an issue of national security.

The IMSI catcher, capable of imitating a cell tower and intercepting communications within a 1 to 3-kilometer radius, will undergo digital forensic analysis.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia assured that the poll body's main headquarters does not store election data and their systems were not compromised.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla initially stated the charges are bailable but later clarified that for foreigners, a violation of Immigration Law could make the case non-bailable.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro described the incident as "alarming" and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressing confidence in the authorities.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila has acknowledged the situation.