Philippines Detains Six Chinese Nationals for Espionage

Six Chinese nationals and one Filipino were arrested by the Philippine government on suspicion of carrying out espionage activities around Grande Island, located at the mouth of Subic Bay. 

The suspects were apprehended upon getting reports that they were carrying out secret surveillance activities pretending to be fishermen. This is the third of a series of espionage-related arrests, and it raises this year's tally of Chinese nationals arrested for similar charges to twelve.

The suspects were arrested on March 19, 2025, when the military intelligence caught wind of foreign nationals allegedly conducting intelligence operations. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported that the Chinese nationals were put under close surveillance for suspicious activities on gathering sensitive information that would have national defense implications. 

The Chinese nationals allegedly used drones to disguise themselves as fishing gear and collect intelligence on naval assets in the region.

Filipino suspect Melvin Aguillon, who served as the security detail of the group, was also among those arrested by authorities. Certain items were seized during arrest, including photos and documents related to Philippine and US naval resources and equipment used to store monitoring materials.

This case mirrors the historical conflicts between China and the Philippines, namely on security issues in the South China Sea. 

The government of the Philippines has become increasingly vigilant of foreign espionage operations, especially in key locations like Subic Bay, a former American naval base.

While investigations continue, Philippine officials are bent on addressing potential threats to national security brought about by foreign interference.