The Philippines’ National Security Council (NSC) confirmed media reports on Wednesday night that authorities had uncovered a case involving Filipino citizens participating in espionage activities and illegal operations orchestrated by foreign powers, describing it as a “serious national security incident” linked to China.
In its statement, the NSC said these Filipinos were engaged in related activities under the direction of Chinese intelligence agencies. However, the authorities have already taken action, and the matter has been “dealt with and terminated.”
The statement noted that, for national security reasons, authorities are temporarily unable to disclose the identities of those involved, investigative methods, or the timeline, so as not to compromise ongoing security operations.
The statement said: “All relevant individuals are Filipino citizens who have admitted to participating in espionage activities and are currently cooperating with the authorities’ investigation. Necessary measures have already been taken against them.”
The NSC pointed out that the case was the result of a joint operation by several government agencies under the “Insider Threat Program.” The program aims to prevent foreign espionage, recruitment or coercion, as well as the malicious or negligent leaking of classified information.
The program primarily targets government agencies involved with national security, sensitive information, capabilities, and operations, in order to strengthen the protection of critical intelligence.
The council stated that security agencies would continue to remain highly vigilant and proactive to ensure the effectiveness of the country’s counter-espionage operations.
At the same time, the NSC urged the legislature to prioritize passage of two new bills to strengthen the country’s ability to resist covert or deceptive foreign interference.
The relevant legislation includes a new “Anti-Espionage Act” to replace the decades-old Commonwealth Act No. 616, enacted during the American colonial period, as well as the “Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act.”
The NSC stated that once these bills are passed, they will expand the government’s investigative powers, enabling authorities to more effectively prevent and dismantle hostile operations and networks, while strengthening the protection of sensitive national information and the security of critical infrastructure.
The statement noted that, for national security reasons, authorities are temporarily unable to disclose the identities of those involved, investigative methods, or the timeline, so as not to compromise ongoing security operations.
The statement said: “All relevant individuals are Filipino citizens who have admitted to participating in espionage activities and are currently cooperating with the authorities’ investigation. Necessary measures have already been taken against them.”
The NSC pointed out that the case was the result of a joint operation by several government agencies under the “Insider Threat Program.” The program aims to prevent foreign espionage, recruitment or coercion, as well as the malicious or negligent leaking of classified information.
The program primarily targets government agencies involved with national security, sensitive information, capabilities, and operations, in order to strengthen the protection of critical intelligence.
The council stated that security agencies would continue to remain highly vigilant and proactive to ensure the effectiveness of the country’s counter-espionage operations.
At the same time, the NSC urged the legislature to prioritize passage of two new bills to strengthen the country’s ability to resist covert or deceptive foreign interference.
The relevant legislation includes a new “Anti-Espionage Act” to replace the decades-old Commonwealth Act No. 616, enacted during the American colonial period, as well as the “Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act.”
The NSC stated that once these bills are passed, they will expand the government’s investigative powers, enabling authorities to more effectively prevent and dismantle hostile operations and networks, while strengthening the protection of sensitive national information and the security of critical infrastructure.