Senators warn of foreign interference in elections after Chinese national arrested with suspected surveillance gear near Comelec

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino and several senators expressed alarm over the arrest of a Chinese national carrying suspected surveillance equipment near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office, urging vigilance against foreign interference in the upcoming elections.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros described the arrest as 'deeply concerning' for both the upcoming Eleksyon 2025 and national security, warning that if proven to be a spy, this could strain relations with China.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested the suspect Sunday near Comelec's main office in Intramuros, Manila, finding an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher inside his vehicle parked outside; authorities are still searching for his companion.

Senators noted that similar arrests were made earlier and called for government agencies to intensify counter-intelligence efforts as election day approaches, urging the National Security Council (NSC) to prioritize threat assessments.

Hontiveros asked the NBI to forward findings of the investigation to the Senate to serve as reference for improving the Espionage Act and the Foreign Interference Bill; Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said there was no need to worry since their system was not compromised.