In a significant crackdown on espionage, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have apprehended five Chinese nationals suspected of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations across the country. The arrests, which took place between January 24 and 25, were announced during a press conference on January 30, 2025, by NBI Director Jaime Santiago and AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
The suspects, identified as Cai Shaohuang, Cheng Hai Tao, Wu Cheng Ting, Wang Yong Yi, and Wu Chin Ren, were allegedly using sophisticated equipment, including drones and high-resolution video cameras disguised as civilian security systems. These devices were reportedly transmitting real-time data to an unknown location, raising concerns about the security of Philippine military and naval operations.
Gen. Brawner suggested that the data collected might have been used to monitor the movements of Philippine Coast Guard and naval resupply ships, potentially explaining past incidents where foreign ships seemed to anticipate Philippine deployments. Evidence presented included images of the Naval Detachment Oyster Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and other strategic locations such as Subic Bay and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The suspects claimed affiliation with civic groups and had integrated into local communities by posing as seafood buyers and befriending local officials. Arrests were executed in various locations, including Palawan, Dumaguete City, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
NBI Director Santiago emphasized that the operation was not targeting Chinese nationals specifically but was a response to violations of espionage laws. He also refuted allegations of mistreatment of another suspected spy, Deng Quanjing, and affirmed that consular access was provided to detained Chinese nationals.
While it remains unclear whether these activities were state-sponsored, Gen. Brawner noted that the focus is on the espionage acts themselves. He described the case as ‘just the tip of the iceberg,’ indicating ongoing efforts to uncover more individuals involved in similar activities. The five arrested are linked to a previous case involving a Chinese spy arrested in Makati City earlier in January.