The National Security Council (NSC) said it has uncovered espionage operations and foreign-directed malign activities in the Philippines allegedly linked to the People’s Republic of China.
In a statement released Wednesday, the council described the incident as a “serious national security matter” involving Filipino nationals who were allegedly engaged in espionage and other activities directed by Chinese intelligence.
The NSC, however, assured the public that the operation had already been addressed.
“The operation of these individuals acting on the behest of Chinese Intelligence has been addressed and terminated,” the council said.
Authorities said the suspects were apprehended through joint operations by several government agencies under the government’s Insider Threat Program, which seeks to protect sensitive national security information and systems.
For security reasons, the council said it could not disclose specific details about the case.
“For reasons of national security, we cannot discuss identities, methods, or timelines so as not to jeopardize ongoing operations,” the NSC said.
Officials added that the individuals involved are Filipino nationals who have already confessed to their participation in espionage activities and are now cooperating with authorities.
The Insider Threat Program covers government agencies that handle sensitive information and aims to prevent foreign espionage, coercion, or malicious compromise of national security operations.
The NSC also called on Congress to prioritize two proposed measures aimed at strengthening the country’s counterintelligence capabilities.
These include the proposed Anti-Espionage Bill, which seeks to replace Commonwealth Act 616, and the Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act.
“When passed into law, these measures would expand the investigative powers of the government, allow the prevention and disruption of hostile operations and networks, and protect our sensitive information and critical infrastructure,” the council said.