Khonghun to DND: Boost security of key gov’t sites after 2 spies’ arrest
DND.GOV.PH / Reuters
MANILA, Philippines — After the recent arrest of two alleged Chinese spies last February 20, a lawmaker called on the Department of National Defense (DND) to enhance security measures of key government facilities, military installations, and embassies, warning that “foreign intelligence operations could already be deeply embedded” within the country’s security infrastructure.
READ: NBI agents nab 2 more Chinese ‘spies,’ 3 Filipinos
House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun — who heads the Special Committee on Bases Conversion — expressed alarm over the recent incidents related to foreign espionage activities, stressing the need to prevent them.
“This is not a simple case of foreigners being curious about our government. It has an intention, a plan. We cannot shrug it off. We need to make sure we have adequate defenses against foreign espionage,” Khonghun said in Filipino in his statement on Sunday.
READ: NBI arrests 2 Chinese, 3 others for ‘spying’
“Mere condemnation is not enough. We need to strengthen our counterintelligence, make sure we have enough technology to stop espionage and expand the coordination of our agencies,” he added in Filipino.
He likewise urged the government to conduct a security review to check for the “vulnerabilities” of the country’s intelligence framework, as he sounded alarm over the possible foreign threat in the Philippines’ electoral processes.
Citing the National Security Council warnings, the lawmaker said the foreign influence in the upcoming polls might include “cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and financial backing of candidates aligned with foreign interests.”
Khonghun likewise urged the Commission on Elections and the Department of Information and Communications Technology “to develop and implement effective mechanisms to detect and prevent foreign interference.”
Based on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) report, two Chinese nationals and three Filipinos were recently arrested for alleged espionage activities in Manila.
NBI said their arrest stemmed from a tip informing the Cybercrime Division (CCD) and Special Task Force (STF) about vehicles reportedly utilizing International Mobile Subscriber Identity) catchers while frequenting military and police camps, essential facilities as well government assets within Metro Manila on February 14.
Last Month, the NBI also apprehended a suspected “sleeper agent,” who was allegedly involved in espionage activities.
NBI identified the arrested Chinese national as Yuanqing Deng, a technical software engineer connected with the People’s Liberation Army.
