Palace to gov't agencies: Be vigilant, protect sensitive data

Malacañang on Thursday warned government agencies and offices to be vigilant and cautious following the confirmation of the National Security Council (NSC) that authorities arrested Filipinos allegedly involved in Chinese-linked espionage.

In a brief statement, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said that this issue is being addressed by security forces.

''Ayon sa National Security Council, may mga indibidwal na natukoy na sangkot sa espionage at foreign-directed malign activities, at ang mga operasyong ito ay agad na tinugunan ng ating mga security agencies sa ilalim ng Insider Threat Program,'' Castro said.

(According to the National Security Council, there are individuals who were found to be involved in espionage and foreign-directed malign activities and this operation was immediately attended to by our security agencies under the Insider Threat Program.)

''Sa ganitong konteksto, ang paalala ng Palasyo sa lahat ng nasa gobyerno ay maging maingat at mapanuri,'' she added.

(The Palace reminds everyone in the government to be vigilant and cautious.)

Castro called on government offices to be vigilant and ensure that the sensitive information of the agencies are safe and protected.

''Bantayan ninyo ang inyong mga opisina, protektahan ang mga sensitibong impormasyon ng pamahalaan, at tiyaking hindi ito makokompromiso ng mga aktor na maaaring magdulot ng banta sa pambansang seguridad,'' she said. 

(Secure your offices, protect sensitive information of the government and ensure that data won't be compromised by personalities who may cause harm to our national security.) 

The NSC had called what it discovered as a “serious national security matter,'' noting that it “cannot discuss identities, methods, or timelines so as not to jeopardize on-going operations.”

“The operations of these individuals acting on the behest of Chinese Intelligence have been addressed and terminated,” the agency said.

The Filipinos allegedly involved in the espionage and foreign-directed malign activities were arrested through joint operations with other government agencies under the Insider Threat Program.

The NSC said the program – covering many government agencies handling sensitive information – “seeks to protect national security sensitive information, capabilities, and operations from foreign espionage, turn/coercion, and malicious or negligent compromise.” —RF, GMA Integrated News