The National Security Council confirms the Rappler investigative report that government authorities have uncovered a serious national security matter involving espionage and foreign-directed malign activities in the country linked to the People’s Republic of China. The operations of these individuals acting on the behest of Chinese Intelligence have been addressed and terminated.
For reasons of national security, we cannot discuss identities, methods, or timelines so as not to jeopardize on-going operations. Nonetheless, necessary actions have been taken against the individuals concerned — all Filipino nationals — who have all confessed their complicity in espionage activities and are cooperating with authorities.
The apprehension of these individuals is a result of joint operations by various national government agencies under the Insider Threat Program. The program seeks to protect national security sensitive information, capabilities, and operations from foreign espionage, turn/coercion, and malicious or negligent compromise. The program covers many government agencies handling sensitive information.
We assure the public that safeguards are in place and working, and our security agencies remain proactive and vigilant leading to the success of Philippine counter-intelligence operations.
We also appeal to Congress to prioritize the approval of two (2) new pieces of legislation which would strengthen the country’s ability to protect our country’s sovereignty, democratic institutions, and security from covert or deceptive foreign state activities, namely: the new Anti-Espionage Bill to replace Commonwealth Act 616 passed way back during the American period, and; (2) the Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act. When passed into the law, these measures would expand the investigative powers of government, allow the prevention and disruption of hostile operations and networks, and protect our sensitive information and critical infrastructure. ###
