PNP on watch vs Chinese ‘sleeper cells’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police yesterday assured the public that the PNP is taking steps to protect the nation’s interests amid reports of the alleged presence in the country of clandestine forces from China.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. gave the assurance when asked about the assessment of former interior and local government chief Rafael Alunan III that China has prepositioned its sleeper cells in the country.

Alunan cited an operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at Valle Verde 5 subdivision in Pasig City on Oct. 13 when two Chinese nationals were arrested for possession of high-powered firearms.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his inspection of the Manila North Cemetery yesterday, Acorda said intelligence operatives are regularly communicating on the matter.

He said the PNP is not letting its guard down on the reported threat.

“We are making sure that the national interest is always protected,” Acorda said.

Chinese citizens Liu Minglong and Zhang Da Zhi are facing complaints for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition. They allegedly yielded an M4 carbine, a Glock 22 firearm and a .40-caliber handgun during a raid on a house inside the exclusive subdivision in Barangay Ugong.

Alunan, in a Facebook post, said the discovery showed China’s “malevolent intentions” as he suspects that the foreigners belong to sleeper cells.

Sleeper cells are groups of agents that are dormant until they receive orders or decide to act.

“The question racing through my mind is: how many more communities are harboring sleeper cells within striking distance from our centers of gravity around the country?” Alunan said.