3 Pinoys in alleged foreign-backed espionage placed under AFP control

Three Filipinos who were allegedly involved in foreign-backed espionage activities have been placed under the control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a senior military official said Friday.

“They are now under the control of the AFP. We just ensure they are under control. Cooperative naman sila...They have undergone due process kung ano dapat ang mga proseso (and proper procedures),” Philippine Navy spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad told reporters.

According to authorities, the three Filipinos previously worked in the Department of National Defense, Philippine Navy, and had close access to a Philippine Coast Guard member.

These individuals had access to different classified data from these agencies including internal reports, tactical information, and operational plans.

According to Trinidad, one of the detained Filipinos was a former Navy personnel.

“Ang pinag-uusapan natin, 'yung isang tao lang, coming from DND, isang researcher from DND. And then may nag-open sa Navy na mas mataas 'yung salary grade, so lumipat sa Philippine Navy,” Trinidad said.

(What we're talking about is just one person, coming from DND, a researcher from DND. And then some positions opened up in the Navy with a higher salary grade, so they moved to the Philippine Navy.)

Trinidad also gave details on the alleged involvement of one of the arrested Filipinos.

“Yung isa na 'yung girlfriend assigned sa Palawan, there were instances na specific 'yung binigay niyang information. That was advantageous or used by the adversary, by the other side,” Trinidad said.

(The one with the girlfriend assigned to Palawan, there were instances where the information provided was specific. That was advantageous or used by the adversary on the other side," Trinidad said

“So doon siya nagkaroon na idea na mukhang delikado nga ito (So that's where they got the idea that it seems dangerous),” he added.

The modus operandi for the espionage activities was very subtle, according to the Philippine Navy official. Mostly fresh graduates were offered employment as analysts in job search platforms online.

“So may kokontak sa kanila, would you like to work for..as we are a consulting firm, you will be a columnist or analyst ka etcetera. Could you submit to us your example of your write-up o 'yung output mo,” he said.

(So someone will contact them, would you like to work for..as we are a consulting firm, you will be a columnist or analyst etcetera. Could you submit to us your example of your write-up or your output.)

“Then, pag-submit ‘yan before you know it, they will slowly tell you what to write about. And may financial consideration ito. If they like what you are writing, may papadala silang pera. Through GCash or 'yung other electronic means of transferring,” he added.

(Then, after submitting that before you know it, they will slowly tell you what to write about. And there is a financial consideration to this. If they like what you are writing, they will send money. Through GCash or the other electronic means of transferring.)

In a separate statement, the AFP said there is no directive for additional loyalty or lifestyle checks specifically related to the recent espionage case. 

“The AFP already maintains established security vetting, monitoring, and counterintelligence measures to safeguard the integrity of our personnel and protect sensitive information,” the Philippine military said.

“These existing safeguards form part of the broader government effort that recently uncovered and disrupted espionage and foreign-directed malign activities operating within the country through coordinated action among authorities,” it added.

According to the AFP, the personalities allegedly involved in espionage are cooperating with investigators, and the matter is being addressed through lawful processes.

“For national security reasons, operational details cannot be disclosed,” the AFP said.

“What can be emphasized is that modern espionage increasingly involves technological and cyber components, underscoring the need to continuously strengthen safeguards and update the legal framework to protect national security and institutions,” it added. —AOL, GMA Integrated News