The Bureau of Immigration (BI) revealed that the Chinese national, accused of conducting illegal surveillance and espionage activities at various locations in Luzon, has been living in the Philippines for over a decade.
According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the Chinese national arrived in the country in 2013 and was subsequently granted a permanent residence visa after marrying a 36-year-old Filipina.
He further noted that a review of the Chinese national's records showed he has been residing in Metro Manila and has made frequent trips in and out of the country over the past nearly 12 years.
Earlier, in its report, the BI announced that it had obtained records of the alleged Chinese spy.
Viado mentioned that the agency is coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other law enforcement agencies to facilitate the investigation into the case.
The BI Chief also emphasized that the agency is taking the matter very seriously, stating that any threat to the country's sovereignty will prompt a full response from the BI, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, 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.
On January 20, the suspected Chinese spy and his alleged accomplices were arrested.
Authorities discovered that the subjects used advanced technology and equipment to gather data and information on the country’s topography.
Moreover, authorities found multiple images in their possession, including photographs of key Philippine military installations such as Camp Crame, Camp Aguinaldo, and Fort Bonifacio.
The suspects were also reportedly monitoring airports, local government offices, sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and shopping malls.
