There is no truth to rumors that Chinese nationals can no longer play at golf courses supervised by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amid concerns on possible espionage activities, a ranking military official disclosed on Friday, March 6.

Colonel Louie Dema-ala, Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson, said civilians, regardless of nationality, only need to secure proper clearance before entering the facility.

“All foreign national golfers intending to play at the Army Golf Course must first secure base access clearance, as the course is located within a military installation,” he said.

The clarification came after questions circulated about whether Chinese nationals had been barred from military golf facilities amid heightened security concerns.

Recently, the National Security Council (NSC) said three alleged Filipino informants who supposedly leaked sensitive military information to Chinese individuals were arrested by the authorities.

As for the use of certain facilities within military camps, Dema-ala maintained these can be accessed by civilians including recreational areas such as golf courses.

“Regardless of nationality, entry to the facility—and access to the golf course—will only be permitted to those who have obtained the necessary clearance,” Dema-ala said.

“As of now, may mga naglalaro naman na Chinese nationals (there are Chinese nationals who are able to play) because they have the necessary clearance,” he furthered.

There are several golf courses located inside military facilities including one at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, which is being managed by the Army.

There is also a golf course at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City which is supervised by the Philippine Air Force, the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course located inside the compound of the AFP General Headquarters in Quezon City, the Veterans Golf Club at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) Complex which is under the Department of National Defense, and the Philippine Navy Golf Club at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig.