AFP insists arrested Chinese a ‘sleeper agent’

MANILA, Philippines — Despite denials from his Filipina wife and while still under probe by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), detained suspected Chinese spy Yuanqing Deng was clearly a “sleeper agent” involved in espionage activities, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) insisted yesterday.

The military said Deng was nabbed in Makati City last Jan. 17 in possession of spying equipment.

Before his arrest, he was reportedly traveling around the country doing mapping and surveying of critical infrastructure facilities and strategic areas like military installations, ports, malls, communications grids, energy grid, and major seaports and airports including sites for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

“At this point, this is an ongoing investigation. And so, we could not categorically say that we can disclose any details regarding the case. But in terms of the interview that was conducted with the wife, the Armed Forces of the Philippines understands her concern, being of course emotionally involved, being a wife, a mother,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters.

“But for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we look into the evidence-based results of this investigation, and anything in our power to help in aiding that the truth come out from this,” she said.

“Over and above that, this is an unauthorized foreign intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance activity that was conducted. And what we can point out is that these are crucial features that had been found in the data,” she added.

“So these are military camps, PNP camps, places that are frequently visited, especially by a lot of Filipinos, such as malls, airports, ports, and a lot of critical infrastructure as well. And they number to hundreds. While we cannot disclose all of these, these will be given by the NBI accordingly, as they are the lead in the case,” she pointed out.

“But these are all a matter of sincere and serious concern in our part, as the AFP is the one safeguarding our national security. So, with that, we do not want to undermine, and we do not want to leave any stone unturned, so to speak, in terms of this investigation,” Padilla said.

Following Deng’s arrest along with two Filipino cohorts, the AFP said it increased security measures at all military camps covering not only physical and organizational changes and protocols but also the cyber domain.

Padilla said the AFP based its findings on empirical data and not on hearsay or opinions.

“So, looking at the recovered equipment – it’s there, you can’t change what’s inside the equipment – so the servers contain maps of critical infrastructure, salient features like military camps. So, what would they be doing with the data on military camps, and PNP camps, and critical infrastructure? Of course, being our concern, it’s national security so we really have to explore all angles,” she added.

Meanwhile, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. met yesterday with visiting commander of the US Pacific Air Forces Gen. Kevin Schneider at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday.

AFP public affairs office head Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the two discussed continuing efforts to further strengthen military relations between the Philippines and the US.

“The meeting highlighted the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations, with both leaders expressing appreciation for their ongoing collaboration,” Trinidad said.

“They also discussed the possibility of joint training exercises, particularly in light of the upcoming Balikatan, where the AFP plans to incorporate multi-domain training initiatives,” he added.

Schneider also separately met with Defense Undersecretary for acquisition and resource management Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. and Assistant Secretary for strategy and policy Jeffrey Hechanova.

“Discussions focused on strengthening defense cooperation and enhancing joint initiatives between the Philippines and the United States, particularly the air forces,” the DND said.

“These engagements reaffirm the shared commitment to promoting regional peace, stability, and security, paving the way for closer collaboration in addressing common challenges,” it added.