The Chinese embassy in Manila has denied allegations that it is using Filipinos for espionage operations in the Philippines, which the National Security Council said led to the arrest of at least three Filipinos. The Chinese spokesman described the accusations as lies and fabrications. Philippine agencies have stated that they uncovered these operations and ensured they were terminated.
On March 7, 2026, the Chinese embassy in Manila denied allegations that it is enlisting Filipinos for its espionage activities in the Philippines. The National Security Council (NSC) stated that a multi-agency Insider Threat Program uncovered a serious national security issue involving Filipinos acting on behalf of Chinese intelligence. NSC spokesman Cornelio Valencia Jr. said the operations of these individuals 'have been addressed and terminated.'
Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, revealed that a spy provided China with information on PCG resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea over the years. The informant was close to a PCG personnel but not a member of their ranks, enabling the Chinese coast guard to detect operations in advance. The PCG has reported signal disruptions and aggressive radio challenges to Philippine vessels in recent missions in the area.
'This incident basically proved that the Chinese government is really doing all possible actions to undermine our national security and also to weaken our position, especially when it comes to our operations in the West Philippine Sea,' Tarriela said.
Chinese embassy spokesman Ji Lingpeng stated, 'We firmly oppose and strongly deplore irresponsible remarks made by certain Philippine agencies peddling so-called ‘Chinese spy’ narratives. China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. Such accusations are malicious smears against China and yet another attempt to hype up the so-called ‘China threat’ rhetoric.' He cited a recent case of a Mongolian national arrested on 'suspected affiliation to China' that was later clarified to have no connection.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sees no need for loyalty checks, according to public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, who said the individuals from the Department of National Defense, Philippine Navy, and PCG 'are cooperating with investigators and the matter is being addressed through lawful processes.' The Philippine National Police has strengthened counterintelligence measures to prevent espionage within its ranks.
An Ask Me Anything session with Philippine Navy Spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad is scheduled on the Rappler app on March 10, 2026, to discuss the Chinese spy operations and agency responses.
