The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday, March 6, that it has tightened counter-intelligence checks across all its units to prevent infiltration and espionage linked to foreign actors.

PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the organization has stepped up internal monitoring and security screening to protect sensitive operational information related to peace and order and national security.

“We are taking proactive steps to ensure that all the information that includes efforts and plans relating to peace and order and national security are protected. We have been doing our best to insulate the PNP from any form of foreign interference or recruitment,” Nartatez said.

The strengthened counter-intelligence posture was made by the PNP after the National Security Council (NSC) reported the arrest of three Filipinos for alleged Chinese-linked espionage who admitted to leaking sensitive information to Chinese individuals.

According to the NSC, two of the suspects worked inside the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine Navy (PN), while another suspect had close access to an officer of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The threat, according to the Council, has been “neutralized” and the suspects were placed under the custody of the military.

Nartatez admitted that the development raised concern among security officials because the individuals allegedly had access to information that could affect national defense and maritime security.

“The recent admission of Filipino nationals involved in foreign-directed espionage is a wake-up call for us to be extra-careful and to sustain the efforts in instilling professionalism in the organization that is anchored on patriotism and loyalty to our country and its people,” the PNP chief said.

He said the police organization must remain vigilant even if authorities believe the local espionage network has already been neutralized.

The PNP has started coordinating closely with the NSC and other intelligence agencies for faster information sharing and early detection of suspicious activities.

Nartatez said the police force has also established a confidential reporting mechanism for its personnel to allow officers to report suspected recruitment attempts or security breaches within the organization.

Meanwhile, he also backed the position of the AFP, PCG, and NSC to strengthen anti-espionage laws and institutional safeguards that protect national security.

Officials have been pushing to review existing legal frameworks amid evolving espionage tactics.

Security agencies have warned that foreign intelligence operations increasingly rely on digital platforms and local recruits to obtain sensitive information.