Palace to beef up security after arrest of alleged Chinese spies
Philippine News Agency
By Darryl John Esguerra
February 27, 2025, 1:04 pm
MANILA -- Malacañang is set to heighten security measures following the arrest of alleged Chinese spies supposedly involved in surveillance activities targeting the presidential palace, the military, and the police.
In a press briefing Thursday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro described the arrest as "alarming," emphasizing the need to intensify efforts to address the issue of foreign espionage.
"Nakakaalarma po talaga iyang balita na iyan, at pagpupursigihin pa po natin at paiigtingin po natin ang ating puwersa para po masugpo ang mga sinasabi at napagbibintangang spies (That news is really alarming, and we will continue and intensify our force to address the alleged spies)," Castro said.
She further stressed that the Palace's security, as well as the security of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., would be strengthened.
Two Chinese and three Filipinos were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Feb. 20 for allegedly spying on Malacañang, the military, and the police.
In January, the NBI also arrested five suspected Chinese spies for allegedly monitoring the activities of the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy in Palawan, including the resupply of troops in the West Philippine Sea.
Li Duan Wang's fate
Castro also addressed questions regarding the citizenship of Li Duan Wang, who had been granted a proposed bill for naturalization by both the Senate and House of Representatives.
However, Castro noted that there were objections to the bill, particularly from Senator Risa Hontiveros, who raised concerns over possible links to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).
The Palace official assured the public that the President would thoroughly study the matter before making a decision on whether to sign or veto the bill. (PNA)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
