The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has committed to helping other government agencies investigate alleged espionage activities in the Philippines. This means they will work together to find out if there is any truth to reports about spying in the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, the DFA said they are closely monitoring the ongoing investigation. These allegations involve a foreigner, specifically a Chinese national, who is suspected of working with some Filipinos to gather secret information from important places like military bases, police offices, and government buildings.
The DFA emphasized its role in protecting the country’s security. They stated, “The Department takes any sign of spying by foreign nationals seriously. We are ready to assist the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other agencies as they do their work under the law.”
Arrests Made
Philippine authorities have arrested one Chinese national and two Filipinos. They are suspected of being involved in activities that could harm the country’s security. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has already reviewed the records of the Chinese suspect.
According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the arrested Chinese man is 39 years old and has been traveling in and out of the Philippines since 2015. He is reportedly married to a Filipina. Authorities also revealed that the suspects had visited locations where the Philippines and the United States conduct military cooperation under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
China’s Response
In response to the news, China criticized the Philippines for spreading reports about the alleged spying incident. They dismissed the allegations as baseless. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated in a press conference, “The Chinese government always reminds its citizens living abroad to follow the laws and rules of the countries they are in.”
What Happens Next?
The DFA, along with other agencies like the DOJ and the AFP, will continue to investigate the matter. Their goal is to ensure that the country remains safe and secure. Meanwhile, the public is being reminded to stay alert and report anything suspicious to the authorities.
