The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintained that the case against the alleged Chinese spy, arrested in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), is based on evidence.
According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, the AFP made this remark following the claims of the alleged wife of the Chinese national, who denied the espionage accusations and explained that her husband was simply an employee performing a survey for a self-driving car company.
In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla stated that while the AFP respects the emotions of the suspect’s wife, the data gathered from the 'spy' suggests that he was involved in illegal intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activities.
“Armed Forces of the Philippines understands her concern, being of course emotionally involved, being a wife, being a mother. But for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we look into the evidence-based results of this investigation,” Padilla explained.
Padilla pointed out that the surveillance was substantiated by the photographs taken from the foreign national, which depicted several military and police camps, along with other critical installations in the country.
Previously, the AFP assured the public of the continued security of critical areas in the country following the arrest of the alleged Chinese spy and two Filipinos, who were reportedly involved in illegal surveillance and espionage activities.
On January 20, operatives from the NBI arrested the suspects along with a vehicle they allegedly used for their spying activities, which was found to contain espionage equipment.
Authorities uncovered several images from the suspects, including photographs of Philippine military camps like Camp Crame, Camp Aguinaldo, and Fort Bonifacio, as well as sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that it obtained the details of the Chinese national, who is said to have arrived in the country in 2013 and was later granted a permanent residence visa after marrying a 36-year-old Filipina.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado revealed that, according to records, the suspect has been residing in Metro Manila and has frequently traveled in and out of the country for nearly 12 years.
The BI is initiating deportation proceedings against the suspect, in addition to local charges the 'Chinese spy' is facing.
However, deportation will only be carried out once all local legal matters and penalties have been resolved and fully served.
