Manila: The government has announced an investigation into the reported contributions made by Chinese nationals, who were recently detained for alleged espionage activities, to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and certain local government units (LGUs).

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro informed the public during a Malaca±ang press briefing that the authorities will conduct a thorough examination of these donations. Castro emphasized the necessity of understanding the intentions behind these contributions to ensure that they were made in good faith. She cited a precedent during the pandemic when various donations, including ambulances and vehicles, were accepted from China by localities such as Davao City.

Castro clarified that while accepting donations is not inherently improper, the motivations behind them must be scrutinized. If donations are found to have been made with ulterior motives, an investigation will be necessary to protect local officials from unwittingly becoming involved in questionable activities. She assured that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is committed to addressing such concerns and will not allow them to go unresolved.

The Chinese nationals involved, Wang Yongyi, Wu Junren, Cai Shaohuang, and Chen Haitao, were apprehended in late January for allegedly collecting intelligence on Philippine naval forces in the West Philippine Sea. Reports suggest they made donations of cash and vehicles to local police and government entities through groups affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party.

In a related development, Manila Public Information Office (PIO) chief Princess Abante provided details on a separate donation made in 2022 by the Chinese Qiaoxing Volunteer Group. This donation involved 10 motorcycles, which Abante confirmed were legally processed and registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) before being transferred to the Manila Police District. She emphasized that apart from these motorcycles, no further donations or engagements occurred with Wang Yongyi or the group.

Abante assured that the motorcycles’ documentation was complete and their operational status is currently being verified. She reiterated that the Office of the Mayor did not receive any cash donations from the group, and no subsequent projects or discussions took place beyond the initial turnover event.