NSC says China using Filipinos for spying

MANILA, Philippines —  The National Security Council (NSC) said yesterday it has uncovered “a serious national security matter” wherein Filipinos themselves are being used by China to conduct espionage operations in the country.

In a statement, the NSC also confirmed the existence of an “Insider Threat Program” involving various national government agencies currently dealing with the matter.

“The National Security Council confirms the Rappler investigative report that government authorities have uncovered a serious national security matter involving espionage and foreign-directed malign activities in the country linked to the People’s Republic of China. The operations of these individuals acting on the behest of Chinese Intelligence have been addressed and terminated,” NSC spokesman Cornelio Valencia Jr. said.

“For reasons of national security, we cannot discuss identities, methods, or timelines so as not to jeopardize ongoing operations. Nonetheless, necessary actions have been taken against the individuals concerned – all Filipino nationals – who have all confessed their complicity in espionage activities and are cooperating with authorities,” he added.

Valencia revealed that the apprehension of the Filipino spies is a result of joint operations by various national government agencies under the Insider Threat Program.