MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said that it supports the government's ongoing efforts to boost its defenses against espionage and other similar threats following the National Security Council's (NSC) neutralization of an alleged espionage network in the country.
"The AFP supports ongoing efforts to strengthen safeguards that protect our national security, including the continuing improvement of legal and institutional frameworks to address evolving threats," military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to reporters.
Earlier, the NSC appealed to Congress to prioritize the approval of two new pieces of legislation to strengthen the country’s ability to protect sovereignty, democratic institutions, and security from covert or deceptive foreign state activities.
These are the new Anti-Espionage Bill to replace Commonwealth Act 616 passed during the American period, and; the Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act.
Padilla also added that the AFP is aware of reports regarding the dismantling of an alleged espionage network operating within the country.
The NSC said the espionage network, along with "foreign-directed malign activities," is allegedly linked to the People's Republic of China.
The NSC, on Wednesday night, said authorities have uncovered and disrupted activities involving Filipino nationals linked to foreign-directed malign activities. The NSC assured the public that these individuals have already agreed to cooperate with investigators.
"This development highlights how modern espionage increasingly utilizes cyber and technological methods, making vigilance and inter-agency cooperation more important than ever. The situation was detected and addressed through coordinated government action among relevant security and law enforcement agencies," the AFP spokesperson said.
"For national security reasons, we cannot disclose further operational details. At the same time, the Philippines continues to maintain constructive diplomatic engagement with all countries," she added. (PNA)
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