The Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned that charges will be filed against individuals suspected of harboring foreign nationals involved in espionage activities in the country.
Operatives from the NBI, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), previously arrested the foreign nationals.
Viado also mentioned that initial checks showed that foreign nationals possess regular immigration statuses in the Philippines, which has raised doubts about their potential integration into society.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado disclosed that the agency is coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to gather information on the suspected spies.
Furthermore, the BI is working with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to determine if any individuals assisted the suspects in their alleged unlawful activities.
The BI Commissioner stated that once the agency confirms the involvement of individuals—whether Filipino or foreign nationals—in hiding or assisting the alleged spies, charges will be filed against them for violating Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.
He also mentioned that the BI has assured the DOJ it will take all necessary legal action against the suspects and their cohorts, making sure they are penalized to the fullest extent of Philippine law.
In recent weeks, there have been several reported arrests of foreign spies in the country, as confirmed by authorities like the NBI.
On January 17, a Chinese national was apprehended along with two Filipinos, suspected to be his accomplices, and are facing accusations of illegal surveillance and espionage.
Additionally, five Chinese nationals were arrested by the NBI Special Task Force on suspicion of engaging in illegal intelligence gathering.
The two arrests are believed to be connected, with all suspects reportedly carrying out intelligence-gathering activities in the region.
During the arrests, images were discovered showing military facilities, camps, and even naval assets from the Philippines.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raised concerns, labeling the arrest of five Chinese nationals, allegedly involved in espionage in the Philippines, as "very disturbing."
