DFA Monitoring Alleged Espionage Operations

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is taking seriously any indication of foreign espionage operations in the country and stands ready to support the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation, the Armed Forces and other government agencies in their investigations.

- By PIA LEE-BRAGO

In a statement, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the "Department notes the ongoing investigation being conducted by relevant law enforcement agencies regarding alleged espionage operations allegedly being conducted in the Philippines by a foreign national in collaboration with Filipinos."

To help protect national security, Daza said the DFA is taking any espionage in the country seriously, in apparent reference to the arrest of suspected Chinese spy Deng Yuanqing and two Filipino associates.

The Chinese is accused of conducting surveillance in military and civilian facilities from northern Luzon to the Bicol region, including areas where sites for enhanced defense cooperation activities between the Philippines and the United States are located.