Palace assures aid to 3 Filipinos arrested in China for espionage

Malacañang has assured that all necessary assistance will be provided to three Filipinos arrested in China for alleged espionage, according to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro.

The arrested individuals have been identified as David Servañez, Albert Endencia, and Nathalie Plizardo.

China claimed to have "destroyed" an intelligence network operated by the Philippine espionage agency and arrested the three Filipinos for allegedly gathering classified information on its military.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that authorities identified one suspect as a Philippine national who had lived and worked long-term in China and was found conducting espionage near military facilities.

The National Security Council (NSC) suggested that the arrests might be in retaliation for Manila's recent crackdown on alleged Chinese spies.

However, Malacañang, through Undersecretary Castro, stated there is no concrete evidence yet to confirm if the arrests were an act of retaliation, deferring further details to the DFA and DND.

The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou is extending all required support, including legal aid, to the three detained Filipinos.