President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed deep 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 arrests made in response to these activities, emphasizing the government’s worry over such operations targeting the nation’s military.
Marcos noted that while there is no official communication with China, Philippine investigative agencies are actively seeking more details about the detained foreigners. He mentioned that these agencies are working to uncover the full scope of the operations these individuals were involved in during their time in the country.
The President also pointed out that some of the suspects have been in the Philippines for an extended period, with some having married Filipinas, indicating they were operating as ‘sleepers’. Marcos suggested that engaging with these individuals might reveal more about their activities and possibly lead to other involved parties.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showcased the five Chinese nationals to the media, suspected of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Evidence presented included drone footage and high-resolution video from cameras disguised as civilian security systems.
The suspects were identified as Cai Shaohuang, Cheng Hai Tao, Wu Cheng Ting, Wang Yong Yi, and Wu Chin Ren. According to AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the data from these solar-powered cameras was being transmitted in real-time to an unknown 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. Other images captured the Philippine Navy’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz, maps of Subic Bay International Airport, and Naval Operating Base Subic. Additionally, footage 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.