Quezon City: The government’s case against a Chinese national, apprehended for alleged espionage alongside two Filipino associates, is strongly substantiated, stated a senior official from the National Security Council (NSC) on Wednesday. NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya conveyed this during the “Utak Forum,” held at the New Dapo Restaurant and hosted by columnist Richard Heydarian.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Chinese Embassy has refuted the accusations against the suspect, Deng Yuanqing, deeming them baseless and urging the Philippines to cease exaggerating the issue. In response, the NSC official underscored the thorough case development conducted against Deng, highlighting that surveillance had tracked his suspicious activities at strategically significant military locations.

Malaya further explained that Deng was apprehended “red handed,” equipped with surveillance gear, thereby reinforcing the charges against him. The NSC has filed necessary cases under the Espionage Act and the Cybercrime Law, ensuring Deng will face legal proceedings.

When queried about potential intelligence operations by other individuals in the Philippines, Malaya hinted at forthcoming arrests and announcements, expressing gratitude towards Filipino citizens whose reports facilitated these operations. He appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the NSC’s commitment to disrupting illegal espionage activities.

The arrest of alleged Chinese spies posing as tourists in Palawan is part of these ongoing operations, Malaya revealed, indicating that intensified counterintelligence efforts are gradually uncovering foreign espionage activities in the Philippines.