Alleged Filipino spy to China reveals feeding fabricated content about West Philippine Sea

A former employee of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine Navy has come forward with details of his alleged involvement in leaking Philippine government information to China.

In Sunday's episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Lawrence– not his real name, one of the three Filipinos allegedly recruited by China interviewed by Jessica Soho, said his recruitment stemmed from his writing skills.

"Simula po noong bata ako, maituturing ko na po 'yung sarili ko na mahusay na manunulat," he said.

["Ever since I was a child, I’ve considered myself a good writer."]

"Madalas po nakikipaglaban ako sa iba't ibang mga eskuwelahan, distrito, region, essay writing contest," he added.

["I often competed in various essay writing contests across different schools, districts, and regions.”]

‘Lawrence’ also recalled how a former schoolmate named "Harley" later offered him a writing sideline while he was already working at the DND.

What began as simple essay-writing tasks eventually escalated into requests for more classified content about current events.

"Ang mga kasunod na po, nag-request na po sa mga susunod na sulatin si Harley ng mga impormasyon tungkol sa current events," he said.

["For the succeeding pieces, Harley began requesting information regarding current events."]

Admittedly, ‘Lawrence’ said that he was initially drawn by the extra income, since he was supporting his family while undergoing medical treatment.

"Bilang panganay na nagpapaaral ng dalawa kong kapatid," he said. "At meron din po akong sakit."

["I’m the eldest child supporting my two siblings' education. And I also have a health condition."]

"So nagdi-dialysis po ako, may iniinom po akong gamot. Sobrang halaga po sa akin ang bawat sentimo na kinikita ko," he added.

[“I’m also undergoing dialysis and taking medication. Every cent I earn is important to me."]

Despite lacking access to classified information, ‘Lawrence’ admitted to writing fabricated content.

"Ginamit ko po 'yung talento ko na magsulat ng mga bagay na mukhang totoo, ngunit hindi," he said.

["I used my talent to write things that seemed true, but weren't.”]

‘Lawrence’ also said that requests became more specific when he transferred to the Philippine Navy, including questions about Rotation and Resupply (RORE) missions in the West Philippine Sea.

‘Lawrence’ added that his communication with his handlers was done through Telegram, while payments initially came via GCash or bank transfers before shifting to more discreet methods like food delivery with an enveloped cash.

"Sa loob po noon meron pong food delivery, may pagkain naman po pero sa ilalim po may sobre," he said. "Aside po noon sa food delivery, meron din pong bag drop."

["There was food inside the delivery, but an envelope was hidden at the bottom. Besides the food deliveries, they also used bag drops."]

However, he reiterated that he did not have access to highly sensitive data.

"Bilang isang 'di hamak na empleyado lamang, wala pa rin po akong access sa mga ganoong impormasyon," he said.

["As an ordinary employee, I still don't have access to that kind of information,"

After nearly three years, ‘Lawrence’ was flagged under the government's Insider Threat Program and is now under state custody, and said that he is voluntarily cooperating with authorities.

"Hindi ko na po maibabalik ‘yung mga nagawa ko," he said. "'Yung tama and 'yung best na lang po na gagawin ko is ito po, si’nurrender ko po sarili ko sa kanila."

??["I can no longer take back what I’ve done," he said. "The only right and best thing left for me to do is this—I surrendered myself to them.”]

‘Lawrence’ is reportedly not alone in his alleged spying on the government and defense and military establishments. A certain 'Alison' was named, who also reportedly worked at the DND as well as a 'Danny' who, according to Chino Gaston’s interview for GMA News, is a businessman from Palawan who allegedly obtained information from a friend in the Philippine Coast Guard."

The Armed Forces of the Philippines reportedly conducted a thorough investigation.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, designated spokesman of the AFP, said.“Sa ating mga kababayan who have knowingly or unknowingly worked with a foreign entity that they would like to get out of this. I would like to say that the AFP has a program to help them. Approach us, inform us to the tip line of the Insider Threat Program. We will take care of you.

‘Lawrence’ also advised other people not to be drawn into similar schemes.

"'Yung pangangailangan natin sa edukasyon, sa health, masasabi ko lang po is hindi pa rin magiging sapat 'yun na tulong or yung financial na nakukuha mo," he said.

["No matter our needs for education or health, the money you get just isn't worth it in the end."]

"Hindi ka rin makakaausad, instead, mas lumalala pa 'yung mga nangyayari sa Pilipinas."

["You won’t be able to move forward; instead, things in the Philippines just keep getting worse.’]

The program reached out to the Chinese Embassy for an interview, but they have yet to respond. However, in a statement they strongly denied allegations that China is spying on the Philippines and that they have already recruited Filipino spies.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is urging legislators to revise and enhance existing anti-espionage laws. They are also addressing those who, like ‘Lawrence’, transmit or sell intelligence to foreign actors with ill intent against the nation.” —Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News