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Pia Lee Brago - The Philippine Star
May 1, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese embassy in Manila denounced claims that China is seeking to interfere in the coming midterm elections, after a Chinese national suspected of spying was nabbed by authorities outside the office of the Commission on Elections in Intramuros.
In a statement, the embassy said it has always been “committed to introducing the real China” to the people of the Philippines and deepening understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
“We are strongly against the heinous accusation towards China and condemn the obstruction of the normal functioning by the embassy,” it said.
“We noticed the attempts of some politicians to play the so-called China card to serve their political self interests and boost their election prospects before the midterm election. Such attempts are despicable and doomed to failure,” the embassy added.
The Chinese embassy reiterated that China adheres to the principle of “non-interference” in the internal affairs of other countries and has no interest in interfering in elections in the country.
Just taking pictures
According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the 47-year-old suspect, identified as Tak Hoi Lao, entered the country on a tourist visa.
Bureau of Immigration records show that Tak arrived in Manila on April 25, has no other previous travels to the Philippines and has no derogatory record.
“His purpose of entry is allegedly for tourism,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said.
The suspect was caught with an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher, which can intercept phone communications.
In his defense, Tak told the NBI that he was merely “roaming around to take pictures,” NBI director Jaime Santiago said over True FM.
“Why is he obtaining data and images? His alibi that he is just a tourist is unbelievable,” he said.
According to Santiago, Tak had been traveling with a Filipino driver, who was paid P8,000 daily for his services.
Forensic experts are currently examining the IMSI catcher, which Santiago confirmed was brought into the country as separate parts and assembled here.
“You can also order parts… then when you assemble it, it can be an IMSI catcher,” Santiago told “Storycon” on One News.
Tak underwent inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday for espionage in violation of the Espionage Act of 1941 and misuse of devices and illegal interception and system interference in violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The NBI also brought to the DOJ the vehicle used by Tak.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the charges against the Chinese national were bailable but since he is a foreign national, it becomes non-bailable since he also faces violation of immigration laws.
“For a foreigner, the bail is not in the courts but in the immigration department,” he told reporters.
Palace alarmed
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, which she described as an “issue of national security.”
“It’s quite alarming.… The President has this trust in the intelligence agents that made the operation. So, we will just have to wait for the final investigation on that matter,” Castro said at a press briefing yesterday.
The Comelec has said that nothing was compromised in its systems, noting that its main office does not have any election data. However, it is still concerned about the possibility of hacking.
“We are worried with this kind of development which means (the threat) is already at our door. Good thing our NBI is active and alert,” Comelec Chair George Garcia said.
At the same time, Senate majority leader Francis Tolentino wants the Department of Foreign Affairs to summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to explain the presence of suspected Chinese spies in the Philippines. – EJ Macababbad, Janvic Mateo, Evelyn Macairan, Daphne Galvez, Alexis Romero, Mayen Jaymalin, Marc Jayson Cayabyab
