Espionage network in Philippines described as worrisome by Gibo Teodoro

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday described the scale of the espionage network in the country as “worrisome” and called for stronger laws to ensure proper prosecution of those involved.

“It is worrisome. Kaya nga siniseryoso namin. Let's put it that way. At I'm very happy na yung mga efforts ay natutumbok itong mga network na ito,” Teodoro said in an ambush interview.

(It is worrisome. That's why we are taking it seriously. Let's put it that way. And I'm very happy that our efforts are catching these networks.)

The Defense chief also stressed the importance of having laws to hold all perpetrators, including enablers, accountable.

“We hope lang itong espionage laws ma-consolidate na ma-enact at the soonest possible time para ma-prosecute itong mga ito at yung importante din ma-prosecute yung mga nag-enable nito,” he said.

(We hope that these espionage laws will be consolidated and enacted at the soonest possible time so that these people can be prosecuted, including those who enabled them.)

“Talagang concerning ’yan, hindi lang sa atin, kundi sa maraming bansa. Pero nakakarinig naman tayo sa ibang bansa ng mga prosecution. Dito, gawa ng kakulangan ng batas, ang prosecutions ay walang nangyayari,” he added.

(That is really concerning, not just for us, but for many countries. But we also hear about prosecutions in other countries. Here, due to the lack of laws, prosecutions are not happening.)

Asked if more government personnel are involved in foreign-backed espionage activities in the country, Teodoro said he cannot disclose more information, but the investigation into the matter continues.

Three Filipinos were recently detained for alleged Chinese-linked espionage. They had worked in the Department of National Defense, the Philippine Navy, and had close access to a Philippine Coast Guard member.

However, the Chinese Embassy in Manila denied that Beijing is connected to alleged espionage involving Filipinos. –NB, GMA Integrated News