The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a Chinese national and two Filipinos for alleged espionage activities in the country.
During a press conference conducted by the NBI, Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, the arrested individuals were identified as Deng Yuanqing, Ronnel Jojo Balundo, and Jayson Amado Fernando.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated that the suspects used advanced technology and equipment to collect various data and information on the country's topography.
"Nakilala namin yung technical software engineer na si Deng Yuanqing, na isang China man at siya ay affiliated with PLA University Science Technology (PLAUST) at 'yung PLAUST ay prestigious research university located at Nanjing, China," Santiago told reporters.
"Nahagilap namin yung kotse na ginagamit nila ay raptor barring plate number 9BN262A, nakamount doon yung kanilang espionage equipment," he added.
Authorities also found in their possession several photographs of military camps, including Camp Crame, Camp Aguinaldo, and Fort Bonifacio.
The suspects reportedly conducted surveillance not only on military facilities but also on airports, local government agencies, Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, and shopping malls across the country.
The NBI disclosed that the Chinese national had been residing in the Philippines for five years. His passport is now in their custody and is being verified with the Bureau of Immigration.
The NBI's investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects' motives and whether their activities were state-sanctioned.
