AFP supports stronger safeguards in PH security amid espionage reports

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said it supports efforts to boost safeguards that protect the country’s national security from supposed foreign-directed espionage.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the military “supports ongoing efforts to strengthen safeguards that protect our national security, including the continuing improvement of legal and institutional frameworks to address evolving threats.”

Padilla, however, said the military cannot disclose further operational details due to national security reasons.

According to Padilla, the Philippines also continues to maintain constructive diplomatic engagement with all countries amid the reported espionage network operating within the country. 

The AFP made the statement after the National Security Council (NSC) on Wednesday confirmed a report that authorities discovered and arrested Filipinos allegedly involved in Chinese-linked espionage and foreign-directed malign activities.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila about the matter but has yet to respond as of posting time.

“This development highlights how modern espionage increasingly utilizes cyber and technological methods, making vigilance and inter-agency cooperation more important than ever,” Padilla said.

“The situation was detected and addressed through coordinated government action among relevant security and law enforcement agencies,” she added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News