The National Bureau of Investigation Special Task Force (NBI-STF) arrested five Chinese nationals for alleged illegal intelligence gathering, which poses a threat to national security.
Authorities arrested the five Chinese nationals in connection with a previous operation on January 17, which led to the capture of a Chinese national and two Filipinos accused of illegal surveillance and espionage.
Moreover, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched follow-up surveillance operations on a group suspected of working with the previously arrested Chinese national.
The group is allegedly involved in aerial reconnaissance through drone operations, gathering data on the Philippines' naval assets and other sensitive information.
Intelligence reports indicate that the group of Chinese nationals was spotted in Barangay Buenavista, Puerto Princesa City, posing as buyers of marine products while roaming the area and surveying establishments selling these goods.
However, the group was repeatedly seen in Ulugan Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, conducting aerial surveillance and gathering intelligence on the Naval Detachment Oyster Bay (NDOB) in Barangay Bahile, a key Philippine Navy base near the South China Sea.
NBI-STF operatives conducted a validation process and identified five members of the group, all Chinese nationals. They are reportedly affiliated with the Qiaoxing Volunteer Group of the Philippines and the Philippine China Association of Promotion of Peace and Friendship, Inc.
During a series of hot-pursuit operations conducted by NBI agents on January 24-25, the Chinese nationals were tracked down, leading to their arrest.
Upon examining the seized mobile devices from the Chinese nationals, investigators found photos of Buliluyan ports, Coast Guard stations, vessels, small navy crafts, and docks.
The analysis also revealed images of the Philippine Navy’s Del Pilar Class PS 16, terrain maps of the Subic Bay International Airport and Naval Operating Base Subic, along with a screenshot showing a Chinese character and an arrow pointing from Barreto, Olongapo to the Naval Operating Base Subic.
Additionally, footage of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels BRP Theresa Magbanua and BRP Gabriela Silang, docked at the PCG-Maritime Safety Service Unit NCR-Cluster, was also discovered.
The arrested individuals were taken to the NBI main office for standard booking procedures and underwent inquest proceedings before the Office of the State Prosecutor and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Furthermore, the individuals will face charges for violating Sections 1(a) and 2(b) of Commonwealth Act No. 616, in connection with R.A. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Earlier, the AFP assured the continued security of critical areas in the country following the arrest of the Chinese national and his cohorts, emphasizing that their unit is equipped with advanced intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
