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, Jan. 19, 2025, presents to reporters a suspected Chinese spy and his two Filipino cohorts who were arrested for alleged espionage. —Photo by Richard A. Reyes | Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is ready to work with law enforcement agencies regarding the alleged espionage operations in the Philippines supposedly conducted by a foreign national.
“In accordance with its mandate to help protect national security, the Department takes any indication of espionage operations by foreign nationals seriously, and stands ready to support the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other relevant government agencies as they undertake their respective mandates in accordance with the law,” said the DFA in a statement on Thursday.
READ: China urges PH to protect Chinese nat’ls rights after ‘sleeper agent’ arrest
The National Bureau of Investigation nabbed suspected Chinese sleeper agent Deng Yuanqin last Jan. 17, Friday.
Authorities said the Chinese individual was involved in espionage activities targeting military and police installations, as well as critical Philippine infrastructure.
According to the NBI, Deng is a technical software engineer connected with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Deng’s two other Filipino cohorts — Ronel Jojo Balundo Besa and Jason Amado Fernandez — were also arrested.
READ: Chinese engineer, 2 Filipinos nabbed for espionage targeting PH security
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.