Security officials are seeking to further strengthen the country’s legal and institutional frameworks against what it described as foreign state-backed covert and deceptive activities to weaken the country’s security and democratic institutions following the dismantling of an espionage network composed of Filipinos.

In a statement, the National Security Council (NSC) appealed to Congress to prioritize the approval of the new Anti-Espionage Bill to replace Commonwealth Act 616 passed way back during the American period, and; the Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act.

The two pieces of legislation, according to the NSC, strengthen the country’s ability to protect our country’s sovereignty.

“When passed into law, these measures would expand the investigative powers of the government, allow the prevention and disruption of hostile operations and networks, and protect our sensitive information and critical infrastructure,” the NSC statement read.

The NSC did not elaborate on the dismantling of what it described as foreign-funded spying activities using Filipinos employed or who are connected to defense and security agencies of the country, including the identities, methods, or timelines so as not to jeopardize on-going operations.

But it said all the arrested Filipinos have all confessed their complicity in espionage activities and are cooperating with authorities.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, for its part, backed the ongoing efforts to strengthen safeguards that protect national security, including the continuing improvement of legal and institutional frameworks to address evolving threats following the dismantling of the espionage network in the country.

“This development highlights how modern espionage increasingly utilizes cyber and technological methods, making vigilance and inter-agency cooperation more important than ever,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.

“The situation was detected and addressed through coordinated government action among relevant security and law enforcement agencies,” she added.

Insider Threat Program

Based on the report, the young Filipinos were lured into providing essential information through big paychecks for security-related consultancy works.

The NSC, in its statement, said the arrest of the Filipinos spying for China was a result of joint operations by various national government agencies under the Insider Threat Program.

The program, it said, seeks to protect national security sensitive information, capabilities, and operations from foreign espionage, turn/coercion, and malicious or negligent compromise.

It said the program covers many government agencies handling sensitive information.

“We assure the public that safeguards are in place and working, and our security agencies remain proactive and vigilant leading to the success of Philippine counter-intelligence operations,” the statement read.