By Ferdinand Patinio

‘SPIES’. National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner (both seated) on Thursday (Jan. 30, 2025) present the five alleged Chinese spies arrested during operations in various locations from Jan. 24 to 25. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado on Friday (Jan. 31) said they are ready to file cases against individuals who are protecting foreign spies. (PNA photo by Ben Pulta)

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday warned coddlers of foreign spies in the country that cases will be filed against them for violation of existing Philippine laws.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said they are closely working with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to obtain information about the alleged spies earlier arrested by the NBI and those being monitored by the military.

He said based on initial checks, the foreign nationals have regular immigration status in the Philippines, adding to the suspicion that they have successfully embedded themselves in society.

“Should we confirm that there are individuals — whether Filipinos or foreign nationals — that hid or assisted these alleged spies, we will file cases against them for harboring illegal aliens, in violation of Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940,” Viado said.

Viado said they have committed to the DOJ that they will file all appropriate cases against the suspects and their cohorts to ensure that they face the full brunt of Philippine laws and suffer the maximum penalties for their crimes.

He said the move is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s drive to ensure that the country is protected from foreign threats and other risks to national sovereignty.

Viado issued the statement a day after NBI Director Jaime Santiago, together with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., presented to the media five Chinese nationals arrested for allegedly engaging in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in the country.

Santiago said the suspects claimed to be members of civic groups Qiaoxing Volunteer Group of the Philippines and Philippine-China Association of Promotion of Peace and Friendship, Inc.

He said they also posed as buyers of seafood from locals, particularly lobsters, and have even befriended local officials.

The arrests were made following pursuit operations on Jan. 24 to 25 in Palawan, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. (PNA)