DFA investigates Chinese for alleged espionage

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is taking seriously any indication of espionage operations by foreign nationals in the Philippines.

In a statement Thursday, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the agency notes the ongoing investigation being conducted over alleged espionage activities by a Chinese national in collaboration with Filipinos.

Philippine authorities arrested a Chinese man and two Filipinos suspected of conducting surveillance at military bases, police camps, local government offices, and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites shared with the United States on Tuesday.

The Bureau of Immigration obtained records showing that the Chinese suspect had been traveling to and from the Philippines since 2015 and is reportedly married to a Filipino citizen.

China responded by criticizing the Philippines for alleged unfounded accusations of espionage and urged Chinese nationals abroad to comply with local laws, while Philippine lawmakers are pushing for faster action on anti-espionage bills.

The arrested suspects were found in possession of equipment that could create three-dimensional images for guided missile systems, prompting calls from defense officials and lawmakers for stiffer penalties against spying.