Hontiveros calls for enhanced anti-espionage law

SLEEPER AGENT Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla (seated, second from left), flanked by AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and NBI Director Jaime Santiago, on Monday presents to reporters a suspected Chinese spy and his two Filipino cohorts. (RICHARD A. REYES / INQUIRER)

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros appealed on Tuesday for the immediate enhancement of the country’s Anti-Espionage Law following the arrest of a suspected Chinese spy involved in espionage activities in the Philippines. 

In a statement, Hontiveros emphasized that she has long sounded the alarm over the possible presence of Chinese spies in the Philippines, noting that numerous Chinese spies are being granted entry into the country “without proper immigration checks” due to the controversial Visa Upon Arrival o VUA scheme.

“The Senate must immediately enhance our existing Anti-Espionage Law. Habang patuloy na pabalik-balik ang Monster ship ng Tsina sa West Philippine Sea, dapat matiyak ng ating gobyerno na hindi natin hahayaan lang na napapaligiran na tayo ng mga espiya,” said Hontiveros.

(While China’s monster ship keepsm returning to the West Philippine Sea, our government needs to ensure that we will not allow ourselves to be surrounded by spies.)

The opposition lawmaker then recalled how the Senate panel on women, which she heads, uncovered the truth about dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo who was tagged by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency as an agent of influence. 

“I trust that the DND (Deparment of National Defense), together with other relevant agencies, is on top of this matter. We have to take this seriously for the sake of our national security, our national interest, our sovereignty,” said Hontiveros. 

Earlier, the National Bureau of Investigation identified the suspected Chinese sleeper agent as a certain Deng Yuanqin. 

The authorities said he is a technical software engineer connected with the People’s Liberation Army. Along with him, two other Filipino cohorts — Ronel Jojo Balundo Besa and Jason Amado Fernandez — were also arrested. 

All three of them are facing complaints of espionage under Section 1 (A) and 2 (A) of Commonwealth Act No. 616 in relation to Republic Act 10175, The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.