The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is taking any indication of espionage operations by foreign nationals in the country seriously, saying it stands ready in joining efforts with other government agencies in dealing with it.
In a statement on Thursday, Jan. 23, the DFA affirmed to perform its mandate amid the ongoing investigation on espionage operations allegedly carried out by foreign nationals.
"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," the DFA said.
"In accordance with its mandate to help protect national security, the Department takes any indication of espionage operations by foreign nationals seriously, and stands ready to support the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other relevant government agencies as they undertake their respective mandates in accordance with the law," the agency added.
This came following the arrest of a suspected Chinese "sleeper agent" allegedly involved in espionage activities in military and police sites.
The Chinese national was nabbed last Friday, Jan. 17 in Makati City for allegedly gathering sensitive data around military facilities, posing national security threats.