NBI arrests 5 Chinese nationals for espionage

MANILA, Philippines —  Five more suspected Chinese spies were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Special Task Force after being allegedly involved in illegal intelligence gathering.

The arrests were made following intelligence operations conducted in Palawan, Manila and Dumaguete. The suspects were identified as Cai Shaohuang, also known as Richard Tan Chua – the group’s alleged field commander; Cheng Hai Tao; Wu Cheng Ting; Wang Yong Yi and Wu Chin Ren.

According to the NBI, the suspects were under surveillance after the Jan. 17 arrest of another Chinese national, Deng Yuanqing, and his local cohorts for violation of the Espionage Act. Intelligence reports indicated that a separate group had been conducting aerial reconnaissance with drones, gathering data on Philippine naval assets.

Authorities observed the five suspects frequently visiting Ulugan Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, under the guise of purchasing marine products. However, they were allegedly seen conducting aerial surveillance and collecting imagery intelligence on Naval Detachment Oyster Bay, a strategic Philippine Navy site near the South China Sea.

A hot pursuit operation on Jan. 24-25 led to the arrest of the suspects in different locations: one in Palawan, another at Ninoy Aquino International Airport after arriving from Palawan, one in Intramuros, another in Binondo, Manila, and the alleged leader in Dumaguete.

A forensic analysis of the suspects’ mobile devices reportedly uncovered photos and videos of Buliluyan port in Bataraza, Palawan, Coast Guard stations, naval vessels and docks, as well as high-resolution images of Philippine Navy ships, including the Del Pilar-class patrol vessel PS 16.

Terrain maps of Subic Bay International Airport and Naval Operating Base Subic were also allegedly found on the mobile devices, with embedded Chinese character markings indicating reconnaissance planning. Further, footage of Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Theresa Magbanua and BRP Gabriela Silang, docked at PCG-Maritime Safety Service Unit NCR-Cluster were also allegedly discovered.

The arrested individuals have been charged under Commonwealth Act 616, Sections 1(a) and 2(b) (Espionage Law), in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. They underwent inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice and were transferred to the NBI main office for standard booking procedures.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and NBI have intensified counterintelligence operations to dismantle foreign surveillance networks.

“We will continue collaborating with the AFP Naval Operatives to thwart any attempts to obtain sensitive national security information… surveillance, interception, and detection efforts will be sustained to prevent espionage in the country,” NBI director Jaime Santiago said. 
Authorities also announced that a separate case has been filed against Deng and the two Filipinos arrested in Makati for espionage-related activities. They are set for arraignment at the Makati Regional Trial Court today for violations of the Espionage Act and Cybercrime Prevention Law.