The Philippine government is expanding its counter-espionage program’s coverage, extending from its original focus on internal threats within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Department of National Defense (DND) to more government departments, in order to better protect sensitive information and national security.
Rear Admiral Trinidad, the officer in charge of West Philippine Sea affairs, said on Saturday that the military-led Internal Threat Program (ITP) is currently progressing smoothly and has already been extended to other government agencies.
He stated that authorities are maintaining close cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard and multiple government departments to jointly combat espionage activities and infiltration by external forces.
Trinidad revealed that, in the coming days, the government will announce more resolved successful cases to increase public vigilance and send a warning to potential perpetrators.
"When a case is marked as resolved, it means we have ascertained the facts, completed the investigation, and approached the relevant individuals, who are now under military control. We will publicize the case details at an appropriate time to serve as a deterrent." he said.
The Philippines’ National Security Council announced on March 4 this year that it had successfully uncovered and dismantled a foreign-linked espionage network, allegedly connected to China. Since then, the Internal Threat Program has drawn widespread attention.
According to Trinidad, the initial suspects found in ongoing investigations were mostly Chinese citizens, and further probes subsequently revealed involvement by some Filipinos as well.
He said, based on the confession of one Filipino suspect, their overseas contact has become hesitant to enter the Philippines due to the enhanced awareness and enforcement of counter-espionage in the country.
Earlier, Trinidad stated that the Internal Threat Program was launched by the Philippine military after the formal implementation of the "Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept." According to this strategy, the military is tasked not only with defending the homeland, but also with upholding the Philippines’ territorial rights, including the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
Philippine authorities believe that as national security challenges grow increasingly complex, strengthening internal security measures and cross-departmental collaboration will help curb espionage activities and safeguard national interests.
He stated that authorities are maintaining close cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard and multiple government departments to jointly combat espionage activities and infiltration by external forces.
Trinidad revealed that, in the coming days, the government will announce more resolved successful cases to increase public vigilance and send a warning to potential perpetrators.
"When a case is marked as resolved, it means we have ascertained the facts, completed the investigation, and approached the relevant individuals, who are now under military control. We will publicize the case details at an appropriate time to serve as a deterrent." he said.
The Philippines’ National Security Council announced on March 4 this year that it had successfully uncovered and dismantled a foreign-linked espionage network, allegedly connected to China. Since then, the Internal Threat Program has drawn widespread attention.
According to Trinidad, the initial suspects found in ongoing investigations were mostly Chinese citizens, and further probes subsequently revealed involvement by some Filipinos as well.
He said, based on the confession of one Filipino suspect, their overseas contact has become hesitant to enter the Philippines due to the enhanced awareness and enforcement of counter-espionage in the country.
Earlier, Trinidad stated that the Internal Threat Program was launched by the Philippine military after the formal implementation of the "Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept." According to this strategy, the military is tasked not only with defending the homeland, but also with upholding the Philippines’ territorial rights, including the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
Philippine authorities believe that as national security challenges grow increasingly complex, strengthening internal security measures and cross-departmental collaboration will help curb espionage activities and safeguard national interests.