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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH provides legal help to 3 detained Filipinos in China on espionage charges

PH provides legal help to 3 detained Filipinos in China on espionage charges

Published Jul 14, 2025 02:58 pm
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro assured that the Philippine government is actively assisting three Filipinos who were arrested in China for espionage activities, and that a law firm has already been hired to represent them in the case.

(DFA Photo)
(DFA Photo)
Lazaro, who faced the diplomatic press corps for her first media briefing on Monday, July 14, said that the issue with the three Filipinos is being treated as a consular issue under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate in Guangzhou.

The DFA chief stressed that Philippine authorities are already taking steps to ensure the protection and legal representation of the individuals involved.

“And there has also been, I think, the access to these three persons have been granted. And there are now discussions,” she told reporters.

“I just want to say that we have already also hired a law firm to protect these Filipinos. So, this is what we have done so far in the protection of these Filipinos in China,” Lazaro added.

In March, the DFA confirmed that three Filipinos were under detention in Hainan Province, China.

According to media reports, the three Filipinos were found to have handed over “sensitive material” about China to a “Philippine contact.”

Their arrest came on the heels of the arrest of suspected Chinese spies in the Philippines earlier this year.

Related Tags

DFA Tess Lazaro espionage China Philippine Consulate in Guangzhou
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