The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed support for efforts to strengthen the country’s laws against espionage, citing the need to address evolving security threats, including those in the cyber domain, as reported by RH Edniel Parrosa
In an interview at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP spokesperson Francel Margareth Padilla said the military supports the review and possible amendment of existing legal frameworks to better counter spying activities.
Padilla said the call comes after authorities uncovered alleged espionage and malicious activities involving several Filipinos reportedly working for China.
According to the AFP, national security threats have continued to evolve, with espionage activities now extending into cyber operations and data gathering.
The issue was also highlighted in an exposé by the National Security Council (NSC), which revealed that individuals recruited for espionage are often Filipinos with technical skills and the ability to process and interpret sensitive data.
At present, the country’s primary legal basis against espionage remains a Commonwealth-era law enacted during the American colonial period and the time of war. Officials noted that the measure is considered effective mainly when the country is in a state of war.
Because of this limitation, the NSC has earlier urged the Congress of the Philippines to prioritize the review of existing anti-espionage laws and consider the passage of the proposed Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act.
“What we are supporting here is yung efforts natin para i-strengthen nga itong safeguards natin, no, that will protect our national security overall. So, this includes yung ating continuing improvement natin ng ating mga legal and institutional frameworks para dito to address this evolving threat,” Padilla said.
“So, ang tinitignan nga natin dito, paano natin mapapalawig, no, at mapapalakas yung ating anti-espionage, no, and anything that is related to that,” she added.
Meanwhile, NSC spokesperson Cornelio Valencia Jr., who serves as Assistant Director General of the council, revealed that among those allegedly involved in espionage activities were an assistant from the Department of National Defense (DND), a researcher from the Philippine Navy, and a close associate of an official from the Philippine Coast Guard who reportedly knew about operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Authorities said the suspects were able to obtain sensitive information, including a list of Navy personnel and schedules for rotation and resupply missions to Philippine-held areas in the contested waters.
Valencia said individuals recruited for espionage operations usually fall into three categories: those with access to sensitive information and technical skills in handling data, those facing financial difficulties, and those with grievances or work-related problems that make them vulnerable to recruitment.
