President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed significant concern on Friday regarding the alleged espionage activities conducted by five Chinese nationals within the Philippines. Speaking to reporters in Pasay City, Marcos highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘That’s why we arrested them. Of course, we are very disturbed by anyone conducting such espionage operations against our military.’ The President emphasized that while there is no official communication with China, Philippine investigative agencies are actively seeking more details about the detained individuals.
Marcos elaborated on the nature of the suspects, noting that some have been in the country for an extended period and have even married Filipinas, describing them as ‘sleepers.’ He expressed hope that further interrogation might reveal additional operatives and shed light on their true activities. ‘Because the others have been here for a long time, they have married Filipinas. They’re sleepers. They are called sleepers. We need, just in case, maybe when we talk to them, they can tell us maybe there are others we can go to, explain what they’re really doing,’ Marcos explained.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showcased the five Chinese nationals to the media, suspected of engaging in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Evidence presented included drone footage and high-resolution video from military-grade cameras disguised as civilian security CCTVs. The suspects were identified as Cai Shaohuang, Cheng Hai Tao, Wu Cheng Ting, Wang Yong Yi, and Wu Chin Ren.
General Romeo Brawner Jr., the AFP chief, revealed that the data from these solar-powered cameras was being transmitted in real-time to an undisclosed location. Recovered photos included images of the Naval Detachment Oyster Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, part of the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces West near the West Philippine Sea. Additional images captured the Philippine Navy’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz, maps of Subic Bay International Airport, and Naval Operating Base Subic. Footage also showed Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Gabriela Silang at the PCG Maritime Safety Service Unit NCR-Cluster.
The arrests followed operations conducted from January 24 to 25 in Palawan, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.