A chinese national and two Filipinos were arrested last week due to alleged spying activities.
In a press briefing on January 21, 2025, NBI presented the three suspects to the media who were allegedly conducting espionage activities in the country, targeting military sites and power installations like the Malampaya onshore gas plant.
The suspects were named as Deng Yuanqing, Ronel Jojo Balundo Besa, and Jayson Amado Fernandez who were charged with espionage case and violation of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) naval operatives have previously reported a group of Chines nationals disguised as developing autonomus vehicles that conducts intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
NBI noted that these military targeting are considered as a threat to the national security of the Philippines.
Deng was identified as a software engineer specialized in control and automation engineering, and as a financer in China.
Reports from NBI also suspected Deng as a mole or a “sleeper agent” living in the Philippines for five years now, while Besa and Fernandez have alllegedly admitted as driver and assistant of Deng during his visitations at military and police headquarters, municipal halls, and power installations.