Subic Bay: Combined military and law enforcement operatives on Wednesday arrested six foreign nationals and their two Filipino companions during operations in Grande Island, Subic Bay in Zambales province, the Department of National Defense (DND) confirmed on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong stated that one of the arrested foreigners, identified as Qiu Feng, whose real name is Ye Tianwu, had an arrest warrant for violations under Republic Act (RA) 8799, the Securities Regulation Code, and RA 10175, known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Ye, a Chinese national, is also known as Qing Feng.
Andolong further revealed that, besides Ye Tianwu, the authorities also apprehended Xu Xining; Ye Xiaocan; Su Anlong; He Peng; and Cambodian Ang Deck/Dick. The two Filipinos arrested were Melvin Ma±osa Aguillon, Jr. and Jeffrey Espiridion, employees of Ang Deck/Dick. Recovered from the suspects were multiple cellphones, laptops, a 9mm firearm, and 16 rounds of ammunition.
The DND spokesperson highlighted that the arrests exposed unlawful activities that may include espionage and kidnapping related to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO). Andolong suggested that some foreign nationals might be using Grande Island for these activities under the guise of private enterprises, potentially posing a serious threat to the country’s national security.
He added that the DND is considering working with agencies such as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority to explore the possibility of declaring Grande Island and nearby Chiquita Island as military reservations. This move aims to secure the operations of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, including the Riviera Wharf and the Subic Bay International Airport.
Andolong emphasized that this initiative aligns with the ongoing development of a naval operating base in Subic, which seeks to strengthen and maintain the Philippines’ strategic presence along the western seaboard. Grande Island is strategically located with a clear view of key sea lanes in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).
