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'God forbid': Lacson worries about fate of nabbed Pinoy trio in China

Philippines | National

'God forbid': Lacson worries about fate of nabbed Pinoy trio in China

By Ellson Quismorio

At A Glance

Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Panfilo "Ping" Lacson couldn't help but express concern over the possible fate of the three Filipinos who are facing espionage charges in China.

Flag of China (Unsplash)

Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Panfilo "Ping" Lacson couldn't help but express concern over the possible fate of the three Filipinos who are facing espionage charges in China.

"We do not know the extent or gravity of the charges against them," the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief said in Filipino during the press conference of the administration ticket on Friday, April 4 in Antipolo City.

"Imagine, from life imprisonment to execution. God forbid," Lacson added.

He was referring to China's expansion of the definition and coverage of its anti-espionage law, with heavy penalties including life imprisonment and capital punishment.

He said some US security officials also noted that the new laws give China's government "wider discretion" to interpret the laws against espionage.

Earlier reports indicated that Chinese state security authorities arrested three Filipinos in Beijing for suspected espionage. This came after the arrest of suspected Chinese spies in the Philippines.

At any rate, Lacson said the Philippine government must extend all possible assistance to the Filipino trio.

"For now, what the Philippine government can do, as it always does, is to send whatever legal assistance and whatever assistance we can give to the three Filipinos who I suppose are now under detention.".

Manila and Beijing are embroiled in a longstanding territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

Related Tags

panfilo ping lacson spies matalinong boto 2025 espionage Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas

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