More Chinese spies operating in PH - Gatchalian
Metro Manila, Philippines - Following the recent arrests of suspected Chinese spies, Senator Win Gatchalian warned of a broader network of foreign espionage activities in the country and called on authorities to strengthen intelligence operations.
“Dapat lawakan pa natin ‘yung ating intelligence capability dahil tingin ko marami pang ganito dito sa ating bansa,” Gatchalian said in a DWIZ radio interview on Saturday, Feb. 1.
[Translation: We should expand our intelligence capabilities because I think there are many more like this happening in the country.]
The lawmaker commended the National Bureau of Investigation for arresting five Chinese nationals “caught in the act” of engaging in suspected spying activities this week.
While he agreed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that this is “very disturbing,” he said it should not come as a surprise if it is confirmed as an espionage operation.
“Nakakabahala ito at dahil parang matagal na nilang ginagawa ito dito sa ating bansa. At parang talagang nakita ko sa news, kumpleto yung gamit nila at talagang may operations sa atin,” Gatchalian said.
[Translation: This is alarming because it seems like they've been doing this in our country for a long time. And from what I saw on the news, they were fully equipped and it looks like they were really conducting operations here.]
“Pero dapat iexpect na rin natin ‘yan dahil alam naman natin meron tayong alitan sa West Philippine Sea at alam natin na merong mga bansa na gustong makakuha ng mas marami pang impormasyon tungkol sa atin para alam nila kung ano ang gagawin nila,” Gatchalian said.
[Translation: But we should also expect this because we know we have disputes in the West Philippine Sea, and we are aware that there are countries trying to gather more information about us so they know what actions to take.]
On Thursday, Jan. 30, the NBI presented five arrested Chinese nationals to the media, saying they were believed to be conducting covert surveillance of Philippine Coast Guard and Navy activities in Palawan. The NBI revealed that the suspects had set up CCTV cameras facing the sea and filmed PCG vessels.
China claims parts of the West Philippine Sea as its own, including areas the 2016 arbitral ruling has recognized as part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Earlier, authorities arrested alleged Chinese spy Deng Yuanqing, along with two Filipino accomplices, in Makati City, from whom alleged spying equipment was seized. Both Deng’s wife and the Chinese government have denied the allegations, but the National Security Council maintains it has a "solid case.”
READ: NSC: More arrests coming after capture of alleged Chinese spy
Gatchalian noted that the influx of foreign workers, particularly Chinese, increased during the peak of offshore gaming operations in the country, which have now been banned due to criminal activities associated with them.
