DFA secures lawyer for Filipinos detained in China on espionage allegations

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has secured a lawyer for three Filipinos detained in Hainan, China on espionage allegations.

Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said that a local lawyer funded by the DFA legal assistance fund is taking up their case and requesting Chinese authorities to allow access to the detainees.

China's state television aired footage on April 5 showing the three Filipinos being interrogated by Chinese police, prompting concerns about their rights under domestic law and the Philippine-China Consular Agreement.

The DFA emphasized that it has informed China that due process must be observed for the detained individuals as stipulated in Article 13 of the 2009 consular agreement between the two countries.

De Vega also denied involvement in espionage, suggesting a case of mistaken identity and expressing assurance that Consul General officials are working with Chinese authorities to ensure their safety.