Palace warns of espionage threat

Malacañang on Thursday called for heightened vigilance across government offices following the discovery of espionage operations in the country allegedly linked to Chinese intelligence.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said security agencies have already taken action against individuals identified under the government’s Insider Threat Program.

She urged government offices to strengthen safeguards for sensitive information and remain alert against possible threats to national security.

“Ang paalala ng Palasyo sa lahat ng nasa gobyerno ay maging maingat at mapanuri (The Palace reminds all those in government to be cautious and observant),” Castro said in a statement.

“Bantayan ninyo ang inyong mga opisina, protektahan ang mga sensitibong impormasyon ng pamahalaan, at tiyaking hindi ito makokompromiso ng mga aktor na maaaring magdulot ng banta sa pambansang seguridad (Guard your offices, protect sensitive government information, and ensure that it is not compromised by actors who may pose a threat to national security),” she added.

Earlier, the National Security Council described the case as a “serious national security matter” involving Filipino nationals allegedly working on behalf of Chinese intelligence.

The council said the operations have already been “addressed and terminated,” with suspects apprehended through joint counterintelligence efforts.

“For reasons of national security, we cannot discuss identities, methods, or timelines so as not to jeopardize ongoing 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 NSC said.

Authorities said the arrests were made under the Insider Threat Program, which aims to protect sensitive government data and critical infrastructure from foreign espionage, coercion or other malicious activities.

The NSC also urged lawmakers to fast-track legislation strengthening the country’s defenses against covert foreign operations, including the proposed Anti-Espionage Bill and the Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act.