Spies, sea drones, cyber attacks, and the fight for security
BARRACKS AND STRATEGY
Arrested Chinese spies, salvaged sea drones, breached networks—random incidents or coordinated infiltrations of the nation’s sovereignty? Espionage has evolved, from concealed surveillance devices to cyberattacks, revealing weaknesses that require prompt action. We now confront a silent war fought not with guns but with information, deceit, and concealment.
In 2024, authorities arrested Yuhang Liu with a signal interception device capable of hacking mobile phones. On Jan. 17, 2025, authorities arrested Deng Yuanqing with sophisticated devices for intelligence gathering, including a Global Navigation Satellite System and 3D imaging sensors. Five more Chinese nationals reportedly working with Deng were later arrested for conducting surveillance using military-grade cameras and real-time data transmission equipment, allegedly gathering images of key naval and military sites. Those detained are perceived as secret operatives running surveillance operations on security sites. Additionally, former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is accused of espionage for China.
These episodes indicate an ongoing effort that threatens national security. The potential consequences are serious: gathered intelligence exposes security shortcomings, allowing cyber sabotage while aiding strategic operations if war occurs. All these instances imply that the silent war has already begun and is ongoing, fought in the background yet endangering national security.
As spies operate on land, underwater drones collect intelligence beneath. Five foreign underwater drones retrieved last year are equipped with sensors, hydrophones, and tracking capabilities to generate precise submarine routes for infiltration, track naval actions, and create seabed maps. The intelligence they convey may bolster military planning, risking maritime security. The drones discovered by fisherfolks reveal an alarming fact: the current defense against sea drones is vigilance from fisherfolks and ordinary citizens. This is a lesson that awareness must be heightened, and national security efforts must integrate civilian intelligence.
Moreover, cyber espionage emerged as a graver danger. News reports indicate breaches of government networks by alleged state-sponsored foreign hackers in 2023 and 2024 that extracted high-value classified materials. These breaches extracted intelligence, disrupt operations, and leave digital backdoors for future breaches. It continues to invade, adapt, and persist. Just recently, the Philippine Army reported a breach in its network infrastructure caused by an unnamed cybercrime group.
These days, wars are also waged on virtual battlefields via encrypted scripts and compromised firewalls. Cybersecurity is now equally vital as physical defense and security measures must be done quickly.
These incursions have a grave security consequence—passive deterrence is no longer effective. But, what can be done? National defense programs must evolve to include real-time intelligence monitoring, expand naval patrols, and invest in counter-surveillance technology. We must reinforce our defenses by boosting military capabilities, enhancing digital fortifications, and employing strategic deterrence. Countering these clandestine threats will, also, require more military coordination with allies through joint training, exercises, and intelligence sharing.
Diplomatically, the government faces a major obstacle. Espionage, territorial breaches, and cyberattacks violate international law, yet diplomatic initiatives often fail to hold perpetrators accountable. However, it must continue its diplomatic complaints, demand regional collaboration, and enforce meaningful repercussions for infractions. Building alliances within ASEAN and with allies is crucial in combating these obstacles.
To counter the infiltration, the nation must act decisively. Artificial intelligence-driven threat detection, advanced encryption, and quick-response units capable of countering cyber invasions must be developed to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure. Intelligence must be modernized through greater investments in surveillance drones, sonars, satellite monitoring, and anti-espionage technologies. Counterintelligence programs should be evolved to locate and neutralize foreign operators before they take action.
Public participation is also vital. Citizens, particularly those in coastal areas, must be trained to spot and notify authorities of suspicious conduct through awareness campaigns. National security is a patriotic duty. Threats must be met with vigilance, solidarity, and resolute action.
A credible security strategy entails troop readiness, technological advancement, diplomatic maneuvering, and citizen alertness. Complacency is not an option for the country. Every spy nabbed, drone recovered, and cyberattack thwarted must serve as a reminder that sovereignty is not simply given; it must be zealously defended,
The silent war continues, and the consequences are severe. The nation is on the verge of a turning point. Failure to react effectively will simply inspire further incursions, whereas a coordinated, robust response will reassert the nation’s sovereignty. The nation’s security cannot be taken for granted or left open to continuous attacks. As Sun Tzu wisely declared, 'The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.' Reinforcing defenses, enhancing cybersecurity, and asserting diplomatic resolve will ensure that the nation is not an easy target but rather a resilient force in an evolving geopolitical terrain.
(Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret) served as the 8th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, the 32nd commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, and the former deputy chief of staff for Operations, J3 of the AFP. He is now the VP for cooperative planning and marketing of PAFCPIC, a cooperative serving the active and retired AFP personnel.)