NBI arrests 5 Chinese nationals for espionage in Palawan

Five individuals from China were apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly conducting espionage activities involving aerial surveillance on Philippine naval assets in Palawan.

The suspects had been secretly gathering intelligence through long-range CCTV cameras and LiDAR sensors aimed at monitoring vessels entering and exiting the West Philippine Sea, as well as power plants, grids, and substations operated by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

During a press conference on January 30th, five more Chinese nationals were presented by law enforcement officials as being involved in espionage operations following 'hot pursuit' operations from the 24th to 25th of January across various locations including Palawan and Manila.

The confiscated equipment included photographs and footage related to Philippine naval assets such as Naval Detachment Oyster Bay, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, Subic Bay International Airport and Naval Operating Base Subic, as well as PCG vessels in Metro Manila. The suspects also monitored Ulugan Oyster Bay and Buliluyan Port in Bataraza using CCTV surveillance.

NBI Cybercrime Division chief Jeremy Lontoc disclosed that the spies possessed a detailed map of Subic, Zambales, marking key locations such as naval bases, airstrips, and power grids. Authorities are also pointing to a person under investigation (PUI) in China believed to be directing both teams of alleged spies.

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., AFP chief, suggested that this could only be the tip of the iceberg and more similar activities might come to light.