Authorities arrest 6 foreigners, 2 Filipinos for spying, kidnapping in Subic

Metro Manila, Philippines - Authorities have arrested six foreign nationals and two Filipinos linked to alleged espionage and kidnapping in Grande Island, Subic Bay, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Thursday, March 20.

The agency also announced that it is exploring plans to make Grande Island and the nearby Chiquita Island as new military reservations. Grande was used as a harbor defense for Manila and Subic Bay at the turn of the 20th century.

The DND said Grande Island is a “strategic vantage point with a clear view” of the West Philippine Sea, including key sea features such as the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

“This will ultimately help secure the operations of the Subic Special Economic Zone including the Riviera Wharf and the Subic Bay International Airport, in consonance with the ongoing development of the naval operating base of the Philippine Navy to strengthen and maintain our strategic presence along our western seaboard,” the agency said.

On Wednesday morning, officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority served an arrest warrant against a Chinese national, who allegedly violated the Securities Regulation Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Also apprehended were four more Chinese nationals, a Cambodian national and two Filipino employees. Authorities found multiple cellphones and laptops, a firearm, and ammunition.

“The arrest exposes the unlawful nature, including suspected espionage and kidnapping activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, for which some foreign nationals are using Grande Island under the guise of private enterprises,” the DND said in a statement.

“Such activities, which may be part of larger criminal network operations, pose a serious threat to our national security,” the agency said.

The Philippines has announced a series of arrests of Chinese nationals accused of spying amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.