NSC: Alleged PH spies’ confessions are ‘scripted,’ arrest is ‘retaliation’ from China

Metro Manila, Philippines - The National Security Council (NSC) on Saturday raised alarm over taped confessions of three Filipinos under Chinese police custody for alleged espionage, claiming that it may be “scripted” and the arrest was an act of “retaliation” from Beijing.

This follows the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) confirmation that the Philippine government has been “formally made aware” of the espionage allegations against the three who have been under Chinese police custody since November 2024.

NSC Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya noted that the arrested Fiilipinos have “no military training” and are only in the East Asia country because of Beijing’s invitation to study.

“They are law-abiding citizens with no criminal records and were vetted and screened by the Chinese government prior to their arrival there,” Malaya said in a statement.

The NSC official also questioned the “edited video” of the Filipino’s confessions, saying it portrays China in a positive light and mentions non-existent government agencies.

Malaya said confessions of the Filipinos mentioned a “Philippine Intelligence Agency” or “Philippine Spy Intelligence Services.”

“The ‘confessions’ appear to be scripted, strongly suggesting that they were not made freely,” he said.

“Given the limited information released by Chinese media, the arrests can be seen as a retaliation for the series of legitimate arrests of Chinese agents and accomplices by Philippine law enforcement and counter-intelligence agencies in recent months," Malaya added.

The NSC assured that the safety and well-being of the detained Filipinos are top priority as the agency works closely with the DFA on the issue.

Malaya urged Filipinos to remain vigilant amid the accusations.