7 arrested in Zambales for spying, doc forgery

Six Chinese nationals and a Filipino security guard were arrested in Zambales on Wednesday, March 26, suspected of engaging in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

The suspects include He Peng, Xu Xining, Ye Tianwu (also known as Qui Feng/Quing Fe), Ye Xiaocan, Dick Ang, Su Anlong, and their Filipino driver Melvin Aguillon who was found with an unregistered firearm.

During a joint operation conducted by the NBI, AFP, and SBMA on March 19 in Grande Island, Subic Bay, evidence such as photographs of Philippine and U.S. naval assets, surveillance photos, fake documents, and electronic gadgets were seized.

The arrested individuals are being charged under various laws including Commonwealth Act No. 616 (Espionage Law), falsification of documents, use of fictitious names, violations of the Comprehensive Firearms Regulation Act, and election gun ban.

Intelligence reports indicated that the suspects were using hi-tech drones to conduct surveillance on naval assets while posing as recreational fishermen, taking advantage of Grande Island's strategic location near Subic Bay.