NSC urges Congress to pass tougher espionage laws after arrests

The National Security Council (NSC) urged Congress on Tuesday to pass amendments that will impose tougher penalties for espionage activities after authorities arrested a Chinese national and two Filipinos suspected of spying last week.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año highlighted the recent arrests, emphasizing the need for stronger legal measures against foreign interference and evolving security threats.

Año commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and intelligence community for their vigilance in addressing these security concerns.

The NSA stressed that continuous vigilance, coordination among government agencies, and proactive measures are essential to fortify national security frameworks against foreign interference.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad warned that any information gathered by spies could be exploited by foreign powers for political, economic, or military advantage.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) implemented stringent protocols at police camps and strengthened its efforts to combat cybercrime through specialized units like the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.