Chinese national and two Filipinos arrested for spying

Authorities arrested a Chinese national named Deng Yuangqing and two Filipinos for allegedly conducting surveillance activities in the Philippines, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The group reportedly visited military camps, bases, power plants, local government offices, police camps, seaports, airports, shopping malls, and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites since December 8, 2024.

Using equipment such as sensors capable of creating 3D images and global navigation satellite systems, the suspects allegedly transmitted data in real-time to an external user.

The NBI believes Deng Yuangqing has been in the country for five years and acted as a sleeper agent, blending into various groups undetected. The trio was arrested on January 17 in Makati City.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief warned that the collected information could be used for military purposes, such as targeting coordinates.

Similar surveillance activities were previously detected by the AFP, including vehicles with equipment containing pictures of key military installations.