2 weeks ago
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Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the president of the Philippines, as seen from the Pasig River.
Gov.ph
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang expressed concern over the recent arrest of two Chinese nationals for alleged espionage at the Palace, vowing to tighten security.
In a press briefing on Thursday, February 27, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said they were alarmed by the incident.
“Kailangan po talaga na mas maigting ang seguridad ng ating Palasyo at, of course, ng Pangulo,” Castro said.
(We need to enhance the security of the Palace, and, of course, the President.)
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested two Chinese nationals and three Filipinos for allegedly spying on Malacañang Palace.
The NBI arrested Chinese nationals Ni Qinhui and Zheng Wei, as well as Filipinos Omar Khan Joveres, Leo Panti and Mark Angelo Binza.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the five suspects were conducting unauthorized intelligence gatherings.
The suspects allegedly drove a vehicle with international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catchers in an attempt to capture data from government assets such as Malacañan Palace and military bases.
They reportedly went to Camp Aguinaldo, Camp Crame, Villamor Airbase and the United States Embassy.
The Chinese nationals paid the Filipino suspects P3,000 a day.
“Nakakaalarma po talaga iyang balita na iyan, at pagpupursigihin pa po natin at paiigtingin po natin ang ating puwersa para po masugpo ang mga sinasabi at napagbibintangang spies,” Castro said.
(The news is alarming and we will persist and intensify our forces to stop the alleged spies.)
What about the Chinese national seeking Filipino citizenship?
Amid concerns of Chinese espionage and Beijing’s encroachment in the West Philippine Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is faced with the decision to approve or veto the bill granting Philippine citizenship to Chinese national Liduan Wang.
Opposition lawmaker Sen. Risa Hontiveros has called upon Marcos to veto the bill, saying that he has many red flags. He may also have links to Philippine offshore gaming operators.
Asked about the president’s position on this, Castro said that the Palace is still waiting to receive the enrolled bill. She said the president has yet to make a decision.
“Pangako po ng pangulo ay aaralin po ito nang mabuti bago po ito mapirmahan or kung ito man ay mabi-veto. So, hintayin po natin ang kaniyang aksyon,” she said.
(The president promises to study this well before he either signs it or vetoes it. So let us wait for his action.)
