(Manila, 29th) Malacañang Palace stated today that the government is taking reports of Chinese 'sleeper agents' and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) members operating in the Philippines very seriously, and the National Security Council (NSC) has intensified monitoring and counterintelligence efforts to safeguard national security.
Presidential Spokesperson Claire Castro said at a press conference that the National Security Council is closely coordinating with law enforcement and intelligence units to address the threat of foreign espionage infiltration.
She said: “For security reasons, we cannot disclose specific details, but we can assure the public that the security forces are actively monitoring and addressing these threats.”
Castro emphasized that the government would never take the issue of espionage lightly and would act swiftly upon verification of intelligence. She added that recent prompt responses and actions have resulted in the arrest of several suspected foreign agents.
“Our agencies are not standing idly by. Please rest assured, they are fulfilling their duties,” she said.
On the other hand, Senator Panfilo Lacson called on relevant departments to continue pursuing those engaged in espionage and expressed concern over suspected Chinese sleeper agents and PLA infiltration.
According to his disclosure, Chinese nationals have been arrested on suspicion of espionage in several regions, including Manila, Palawan Province, Makati City, Dumaguete City, and areas near Camp Aguinaldo General Headquarters in Quezon City and the Manila Commission on Elections office.