The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered heightened counter-intelligence measures across all units amid reports of alleged espionage activities targeting individuals with access to sensitive government information.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the directive includes tighter coordination with local and international security agencies to prevent the reported recruitment of government personnel and other individuals who may have access to confidential information.
He said the move is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to protect the country from threats to national security.
“By tightening our coordination with both local and international security agencies, and by maximizing our advanced counter-intelligence capabilities, we are shutting down these covert recruitment channels,” Nartatez said.
“We are actively strengthening our defenses, and we urge every government personnel and citizen to remain vigilant against these emerging espionage threats,” he added.
The statement came after security agencies from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, composed of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, raised concerns over alleged Chinese operatives using online job platforms to recruit individuals with access to sensitive information.
Reports said possible targets include personnel from the defense sector, foreign affairs, intelligence units, and other key government offices.
Nartatez said the PNP is coordinating with agencies in the Philippines and abroad to investigate the alleged recruitment activities and prevent similar threats.
“Our organization is coordinating with other agencies, both here and abroad, to investigate reports that Chinese spies are allegedly using online job platforms to recruit individuals with access to confidential and sensitive information,” he said.
The PNP said its Anti-Cybercrime Group is also working with cyber intelligence experts to monitor and counter possible online recruitment operations linked to espionage.