China assures rights of 3 detained Filipinos accused of spying

Metro Manila, Philippines – Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said the legal rights of three Filipinos detained in China for alleged espionage will be respected, as Philippine and Chinese authorities continue coordination on the case.

“Their legitimate rights and interests will be protected,” Huang told reporters on April 16 when asked whether the three Filipinos will receive a fair and just trial.

The envoy confirmed that coordination between both governments is ongoing.

“The Philippine Consulate is working on this to take care of them. Your Consulate office in China is engaging with Chinese authorities in all matters related to this,” he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier confirmed the arrest of the three Filipinos, who have reportedly been in Chinese custody since November 2024 for allegedly spying on China’s military.

In a statement, DFA said it had been “formally made aware” of the espionage allegations and is working to ensure the individuals are “tried with due process and with full respect to the rights of the detained Filipinos.”

“Protecting the rights and interests of the said Filipinos remains the prime priority for the Philippine government,” DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said.

“The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou is providing all necessary assistance, including appropriate legal support, for the said Filipinos,” she added.

A separate statement from the Palawan provincial government on March 12 revealed that at least two of the detainees had been under Chinese police custody since November 14, 2024, over espionage allegations. The local government said the two were former scholars under a Hainan government program and later returned to China as migrant workers.

Chinese state media identified one of the suspects as David Servanez, who was allegedly seen “repeatedly loitering near military facilities.”

“Investigators later determined he was acting under the remote direction of Richie Herrera, an operative for the Philippine intelligence service,” Global China Daily reported.

Two others, Albert Endencia and Nathalie Plizardo, were also allegedly working under Herrera’s instructions to gather sensitive information, the report added.

The exact dates of their arrests were not disclosed.