DFA: 3 Filipinos arrested in China on espionage charges

On Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs stated that it has been formally informed of the arrest of three Filipinos in Beijing on suspicion of espionage.

The DFA spokesperson confirmed that the agency remains committed to protecting the rights and interests of the detainees and is providing legal support through the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou.

In a press briefing at Malacañang Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is committed to assisting Filipinos facing legal issues abroad with legal assistance.

According to state-run China Daily, the three individuals were apprehended by Chinese authorities and accused of working for a Philippine intelligence agency to gather classified military information; however, the National Security Council (NSC) disputed Beijing's accusations, saying the detainees were former recipients of a government scholarship program created under an agreement between Hainan and Palawan.

The NSC added that the arrest could be retaliation for legitimate arrests of Chinese nationals in the Philippines for spying activities, but the Palace is taking caution as there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.