AFP cites ‘evidence’ after wife of supposed Chinese spy denies allegations

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said the military is relying on evidence in its probe into a supposed Chinese spy after his wife denied the allegations against him

“The AFP understands her concern being, of course, emotionally involved being a wife, a mother,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing.

“But for the AFP, we look into the evidence-based results of this investigation. And anything in our power to help in aiding that the truth comes out from this, we will do in the AFP,” she added.

Padilla reiterated that authorities found out that the Chinese man was conducting unauthorized intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance activities.

“What we can point out is that these are crucial features that have been found in the data. So these are military camps, (Philippine National Police) camps, places that are frequently visited especially by a lot of Filipinos such as malls, airports, ports, and a lot of critical infrastructures as well. And they number (in the) hundreds,” she said.

“These are all a matter of sincere and serious concern on our part as the AFP is the one safeguarding our national security. So with that, we do not want to undermine and we do not want to leave any stone unturned so to speak in terms of this investigation,” she added.

On Monday, Noemi Deng, wife of the arrested Chinese citizen Deng Yuangin, said her husband is not a spy.

Noemi said her husband has been staying in the country for the past 10 years and they have already raised a family during that time.

“Matagal na po siyang naninirahan dito sa Pilipinas. Mahigit 10 years na po siya dito. May anak po kami eight years old. Natatakot po ako sa kahihinatnan ng anak ko sa school dahil sa media na lumalabas na spy ‘yung daddy niya,” she said.

(He has been living here for a long time in the Philippines. He has been staying here for more than 10 years. We have an 8-year-old child. I’m scared for my child because his daddy is appearing as a spy in the media.)

Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said his department is also looking into information on Li Duan Wang.

Li was a Chinese citizen whom Senator Risa Hontiveros linked to the alleged boss of the raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.

“I will find out,” Remulla told GMA News Online when asked if his agency had information on the Chinese national.

Despite Hontiveros’ concern, the Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 8839 granting Philippine citizenship to Li. —RF, GMA Integrated News