Allegations that Filipino nationals were recruited to spy for China are adding new strain to relations between Manila and Beijing, as tensions persist between the two countries over disputed waters in the South China Sea.
The Philippines’ National Security Council (NSC) said authorities had uncovered espionage activities allegedly linked to Chinese intelligence operations and had apprehended several Filipino nationals involved in the case.
“The National Security Council confirms the Rappler investigative report that government authorities have uncovered a serious national security matter involving espionage and foreign-directed malign activities in the country linked to the People’s Republic of China,” the NSC said in a statement released Wednesday.
According to the council, the individuals were carrying out operations “acting on the behest of Chinese Intelligence,” adding that they “have been addressed and terminated.”
Officials did not disclose the identities of those apprehended or details of the investigation.
“For reasons of national security, we cannot discuss identities, methods, or timelines so as not to jeopardize ongoing operations,” the NSC said.
The council added that those detained were Filipino nationals who had admitted their involvement in espionage activities.
“Nonetheless, necessary actions have been taken against the individuals concerned — all Filipino nationals — who have all confessed their complicity in espionage activities and are cooperating with authorities,” the statement said.
Authorities said the arrests resulted from joint operations by multiple government agencies under the government’s Insider Threat Program.
“The program seeks to protect national security sensitive information, capabilities, and operations from foreign espionage, turn/coercion, and malicious or negligent compromise,” the NSC said.
The espionage allegations come as tensions between the Philippines and China continue over disputed areas of the South China Sea, where vessels from both countries have clashed repeatedly in recent years.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing aside overlapping claims by neighboring countries, including the Philippines, and an international ruling that said Beijing’s sweeping claim has no legal basis.
Philippine authorities have previously detained Chinese nationals in separate espionage cases, according to a report by Agence France-Presse.
In April last year, a Chinese national was arrested near the offices of the Philippine Commission on Elections while allegedly operating an “IMSI catcher,” a surveillance device capable of mimicking a mobile phone tower and intercepting communications.
Two other Chinese nationals were detained in February 2025 on suspicion of using the same device near sensitive government and military locations in Manila.
Amid the accusations, the Chinese Embassy in Manila defended its diplomatic posture after some Philippine media described its approach as “wolf warrior diplomacy.”
“When China’s interests and dignity are challenged, we stand firm. When confronted with smears or attacks, we respond, without hesitation: words for words, actions for actions, talk for talk,” said Guo Wei, deputy spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy.
“To be clear, we are not wolves. We are diplomats doing our jobs,” he said.
Guo added that China would continue efforts to maintain stable relations with the Philippines.
“Our position is straightforward: China’s national interests and dignity must be safeguarded. At the same time, promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and the Philippines remains our responsibility,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NSC called on Congress to strengthen the country’s legal framework against foreign espionage and interference.
It urged lawmakers to prioritize passage of the proposed Anti-Espionage Bill and the Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act.
“We assure the public that safeguards are in place and working, and our security agencies remain proactive and vigilant leading to the success of Philippine counter-intelligence operations,” the council said.
