Philippine Navy Had Communication Safeguards Before US Intel Pact

The Philippine Navy had already implemented protective measures for its communication systems before entering into the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with the United States last November, according to Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos. Speaking to the Philippine News Agency, Alcos emphasized that the Navy had been proactive in securing its communications both on naval vessels and at shore-based facilities. While he did not disclose the specifics of these measures for security reasons, he assured that they were robust enough to thwart eavesdropping attempts by hostile entities. The GSOMIA, signed to enhance the protection and exchange of classified military information between the Philippines and the US, further strengthens these existing safeguards. This comes in the wake of recent espionage arrests in Makati City, where a Chinese national and two Filipino accomplices were apprehended for conducting surveillance on military installations in Luzon using a vehicle equipped with spying devices.