AFP investigates possible foreign espionage

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is investigating a series of recent incidents that may be connected to espionage activities by a foreign power, with Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad suggesting these events indicate an effort to map out the strategic landscape.

Incidents include the arrest of a Chinese national and two Filipino 'cohorts' for surveillance activities, the recovery of underwater drones in Philippine waters, and the case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margeth Padilla emphasized that these incidents are part of a larger pattern, including illegal operations by offshore gaming operators (POGOs), while Trinidad stressed that the military is taking appropriate action based on factual evidence.

Trinidad noted there seems to be a deliberate and calculated move to map out the country by a foreign power, though he declined to speculate who might be behind these activities.

The AFP continues to monitor and address security concerns related to espionage and other suspicious activities in Philippine waters and territories, enhancing intelligence and cyber capabilities as part of efforts to strengthen national defense.