Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang urged government officials to remain vigilant and safeguard sensitive information following the discovery of espionage and foreign-directed activities in the country.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities had already identified individuals allegedly involved in espionage operations and that security agencies had acted against them.
“Ayon sa National Security Council, may mga indibidwal na natukoy na sangkot sa espionage at foreign-directed malign activities, at ang mga operasyong ito ay agad na tinugunan ng ating mga security agencies sa ilalim ng Insider Threat Program,” Castro said in a statement.
[Translation: According to the National Security Council, some individuals were identified as being involved in espionage and foreign-directed malign activities, and these operations were immediately addressed by our security agencies under the Insider Threat Program.]
Castro said the Palace is reminding government personnel to exercise caution and make sure that sensitive government information remains protected.
“Sa ganitong konteksto, ang paalala ng Palasyo sa lahat ng nasa gobyerno ay maging maingat at mapanuri,” she said.
[Translation: In this context, the Palace reminds everyone in government to be careful and vigilant.]
“Bantayan ninyo ang inyong mga opisina, protektahan ang mga sensitibong impormasyon ng pamahalaan, at tiyaking hindi ito makokompromiso ng mga aktor na maaaring magdulot ng banta sa pambansang seguridad,” Castro added.
[Translation: Guard your offices, protect sensitive government information, and ensure that it will not be compromised by actors who may pose a threat to national security.]
The National Security Council earlier confirmed that authorities uncovered espionage activities allegedly linked to foreign intelligence operations.
NSC spokesperson Cornelio Valencia Jr. said the people — all Filipinos — were caught and admitted their involvement while cooperating with authorities.
Valencia said the arrests were the result of joint operations by several government agencies under the Insider Threat Program, which aims to protect sensitive national security information and government operations from foreign espionage and other malicious activities.
He said authorities could not disclose the identities of those involved, investigative methods or timelines to avoid compromising operations.
The NSC also called on Congress to prioritize legislation aimed at strengthening the ability to counter foreign interference and espionage activities.
The measures include the Anti-Espionage Bill to replace Commonwealth Act 616 and the proposed Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act.
According to the council, the proposed laws would expand the government’s investigative powers and help prevent hostile foreign operations targeting democratic institutions, sensitive information, and critical infrastructure.
