MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged lawmakers to strengthen the country’s anti-espionage laws following the arrest of a Chinese national and two Filipinos accused of spying on sensitive military and energy infrastructure.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) last week detained Deng Yuanqing, a Chinese software engineer, along with Ronel Jojo Balundo Besa and Jayson Amado Fernandez, for their alleged involvement in surveillance operations targeting military installations, government offices, and the Malampaya gas field in Palawan.

Calls for Urgent Action Amid Sino-Philippine Tensions

Senator Hontiveros emphasized the urgent need to address espionage concerns, particularly amid increasing tensions with China over territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Senate must immediately enhance our existing Anti-Espionage Law,” Hontiveros said in a statement. “As China’s ‘Monster ships’ continue to operate in our waters, we cannot allow ourselves to be surrounded by spies.”

Hontiveros also linked the issue to past controversies, including the “Pastillas scam” tied to the Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) program, which allegedly allowed unchecked entry of Chinese nationals into the Philippines. She further highlighted the ongoing investigation of Alice Guo, accused of being an “agent of influence” by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and the claims of self-confessed Chinese spy She Zhijiang.

“We must take these threats seriously for the sake of our national security, sovereignty, and national interest,” she added.

Allegations and Arrests

According to NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Jeremy Lotoc, Deng Yuanqing, a graduate of the People’s Liberation Army University of Science and Technology in Nanjing, allegedly operated as a sleeper agent for five years. He reportedly led intelligence-gathering missions disguised as work on autonomous vehicle development.

Deng and his Filipino associates allegedly visited critical sites, including military headquarters, power substations in Batangas province, and the Philippine Army’s 201st Infantry Brigade in Cavinti, Laguna.

The suspects were charged with espionage and violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Lotoc described Deng as a skilled infiltrator who blended seamlessly into local communities to avoid suspicion.

Espionage Activities Compromised National Defense—NBI

The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of Chinese influence in the Philippines, particularly in sectors such as technology and energy.

The NBI claimed the suspects’ activities had “compromised the country’s national defense,” underscoring the need for stronger surveillance and counter-espionage measures.

Authorities are reportedly investigating additional individuals linked to the group, including a financier in China.

Authorities Urged to Be Vigilant for National Sovereignty

Hontiveros called on the Department of National Defense and other agencies to remain vigilant, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding national security amid escalating regional tensions.

“I trust that the DND, 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,” the senator said.

The Chinese government has yet to issue a statement regarding the arrests.

📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB