MANILA — Malacañang sought to allay growing fears over foreign espionage, assuring the public that intelligence and security forces are tightening their watch after reports of alleged Chinese “sleeper agents” infiltrating sensitive areas of government.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, citing information from the National Security Council (NSC), said state security agencies are actively working to verify and dismantle suspected foreign spy networks.
“Ayon po sa kanila, ‘We cannot go into specifics for security reasons but we can assure the public that our security forces are actively monitoring and addressing these threats. The government does not take espionage lightly, and we act swiftly when credible intelligence is verified. Recent operations have already led to arrest of suspected foreign operatives which shows that our agencies are not standing still. We are working closely with law enforcement and intelligence units to dismantle espionage network whenever they may be,’” Castro said, quoting an NSC statement.
The assurance followed revelations from Sen. Panfilo Lacson that members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and alleged sleeper agents were operating near key government installations, including the Commission on Elections and Malacañang itself.
As part of the government’s crackdown, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed that it expelled 36 auxiliary recruits with questionable citizenship records, including Chinese nationals. Among them was businessman Joseph Sy, also known as Chen Zhong Zen, who allegedly secured fraudulent Philippine documents to join the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA).
Castro emphasized, however, that auxiliary members have no access to sensitive military or operational information.
“Nakausap din po natin ang kinatawan po ng PCG at ito pong sinasabi nilang Chinese diumano ay patuloy pa rin po ang pag-iimbestiga ng PCG. At sa ngayon po, ang sinasabi nilang tao o iyong person involved ay tinanggal na po sa PCGA,” she said.
Castro added: “At huwag pong mag-alala ang taumbayan dahil ang PCGA ay isang civil organization at kung sinuman po ang mapapasok dito kahit foreigner po, ito naman po ay paggawa lang naman ng… pagtulong, pagbibigay ng relief, pagtulong sa PCG pero wala po silang access sa anumang mga operasyon at hindi po sila sumasampa sa barko. At kung anuman ang operasyon ng PCG, wala po silang maaaring malaman doon – iyon naman po ang safeguards na siniguro ng PCG.”/PN
