Malacañang enhances security after spy arrests

Malacañang is enhancing security measures after the arrest of three Filipinos and two Chinese nationals allegedly involved in spying activities targeting Malacañang, military bases, and other vital establishments.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro described the situation as alarming and emphasized the need for stricter security protocols to address foreign espionage during a press briefing on Thursday.

The suspects were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after its cybercrime division and special task force received alerts about suspicious vehicles carrying International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, which can intercept messages between mobile phones and network providers.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is yet to decide on a bill granting Philippine citizenship to Chinese national Liduan Wang amid concerns of potential espionage and Beijing's encroachment in the West Philippine Sea.

The suspects reportedly drove near Malacañang and visited Camp Aguinaldo, Camp Crame, Villamor Airbase, and the United States embassy before being apprehended in a condominium unit in Manila where the Chinese nationals were also arrested.