Quezon city: Information reportedly leaked by alleged members of an espionage ring "neutralized" by the National Security Council is not critical to Philippine security, a ranking military official stated on Tuesday. Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and Inspector General, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, addressed the media at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, revealing details about the nature and impact of the leaked data.
According to Philippines News Agency, Trinidad explained that the leaked information falls under the lowest level of the military's information classification system. He clarified that while the information was classified, it was not of high-level secrecy. "These are classified considering the positions of the concerned personnel at the lower level of the plantilla hierarchy. Their access to information is limited to those only classified," Trinidad elaborated. He further outlined the military's classification system, ranging from classified to top secret, emphasizing that the access level of the alleged spies was restricted to classified information.
The leaked information primarily consisted of "operational data for the WPS" and the "plans of the PN for modernization and strategic basing." When questioned about the progress in tracking or identifying the handlers of these alleged spies, Trinidad chose not to comment, citing the sensitivity of ongoing operational matters.
The espionage activities were uncovered through the government's Insider Threat Program (ITP), a strategic initiative launched in 2023. This program came into effect following the military's shift towards the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which aims to defend all Philippine territories, including its exclusive economic zone. "(The implementation of this) has uncovered and stopped espionage activities with the exposure of four of the persons who were involved," Trinidad noted. Of the four individuals identified, three have cooperated and are now under the control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, while a fourth PN officer declined an offer extended to him.
Trinidad emphasized the effectiveness of the ITP, stating, "I would like to highlight number one, the ITP, the Insider Threat Program, is working as manifested by these accomplishments." He also mentioned that the program is under continuous evaluation and enhancement to further strengthen its capabilities.
