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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Six foreigners, 2 Pinoys nabbed for 'espionage' in Subic Bay operation

Six foreigners, 2 Pinoys nabbed for 'espionage' in Subic Bay operation

Published Mar 20, 2025 05:30 am

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The Department of National Defense (DND) is eyeing the declaration of the Grande Island as a military reservation following the arrest of six foreigners and their alleged two Filipino cohorts over suspicions of espionage on Wednesday, March 19.

DND Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the operation was targeting Chinese Qiu Feng, whose real name is Ye Tianwu, for violations of Republic Act (RA) 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, and RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. 

But the raid conducted by soldiers and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) led to the arrest of the other Chinese identified as Xu Xining, Ye Xiaocan, Su Anlong, and He Peng, Cambodian Ang Deck/Dick, Filipinos Melvin Mañosa Aguillon, Jr. and Jeffrey Espiridion. 

Authorities recovered multiple cellphones and laptops and a 9mm pistol.

“The arrest exposes the unlawful nature, including suspected espionage and kidnapping activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), for which some foreign nationals are using Grande Island under the guise of private enterprises,” said Andolong.

“Such activities, which may be part of larger criminal network operations, pose a serious threat to our national security,” he added.

Several Chinese have been arrested in the past months over suspicions of espionage amid the construction of more Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the country as part of the alliance with the United States.

Some of them yielded telecommunication equipment allegedly used for spying. 

In the case of the operation at the Grande Island, Andolong raised alarm on its adverse effects since the island located at the Subic Bay, is a strategic vantage point with a clear view of key sea lanes in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc, or the Scarborough Shoal.

“The Department looks forward to working with the concerned agencies, including the SBMA, in exploring the possibility of declaring Grande Island, along with nearby Chiquita Island, as military reservations,” said Andolong.

“This will ultimately help secure the operations of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone including the Riviera Wharf and the Subic Bay International Airport, in consonance with the ongoing development of the naval operating base of the Philippine Navy to strengthen and maintain our strategic presence along our western seaboard,” he added. 

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