Three Filipino nationals have reportedly been arrested in Beijing for alleged involvement in espionage, according to a post by China’s state-run Global Times on Thursday. The report claims the individuals were caught collecting intelligence related to China’s military activities.
“China’s state security authorities have uncovered a case of Filipino espionage and apprehended three Filipino nationals suspected of spying in the country,” the Global Times stated on X, formerly Twitter.
The post further alleged that Philippine intelligence agencies have “long been focused on gathering information about China’s military deployments.”
Responding to the issue, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun assured that their legal process will be followed strictly.
“China’s judicial and relevant authorities will strictly handle the case in accordance with law, and protect the lawful rights and interests of the personnel involved,” Guo said.
Back in Manila, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it has yet to receive any official communication regarding the arrests.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines has not received any official report from relevant authorities regarding the alleged espionage claims. We defer to the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is currently verifying the situation through appropriate diplomatic channels,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
She added, “The AFP recognizes the significance of this matter. As it falls under the purview of the Department of Foreign Affairs, or DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) we defer to their expertise and mandate. The AFP remains ready to support as needed.”
As of posting, GMA News Online has not received any response from the DFA, Philippine Embassy in China, or other relevant agencies.
This development comes at a time of heightened tensions, as Philippine authorities have also recently arrested individuals suspected to be Chinese spies operating in the country. In response, Guo slammed the actions, calling them “a typical act of stigmatization and politicization based on presumption of guilt in the absence of clear evidence.”
He urged Philippine officials to “stop shadow-chasing and making false accusations,” adding, “handle the cases concerning Chinese citizens in a just manner and in accordance with the law, and effectively protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines.”
The AFP previously announced that it is strengthening its intelligence and cyber defense capabilities amid escalating concerns over foreign espionage. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has also called on lawmakers to update the Espionage Act and support legislation aimed at countering foreign interference.
