Six alleged foreign spies were apprehended last week on Grande Island in Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed on Wednesday that the suspects had been posing as fishermen transporting bait while covertly monitoring naval ship movements using advanced drone technology.
The operation, conducted on March 19, led to the arrest of five Chinese nationals and one Cambodian, along with their Filipino bodyguard. The NBI disclosed that the suspects were observed lingering at wharves during late hours and flying drones to surveil naval assets, including vessels from allied nations.
Grande Island’s strategic location in Subic Bay provides a vantage point for monitoring maritime activities, making it a potential hotspot for espionage. Authorities recovered surveillance photos, videos, and documents, including images of U.S. naval vessels and other sensitive assets. Fake identification cards and Bureau of Internal Revenue documents were also confiscated.
The suspects face charges under the Espionage Law, Cybercrime Prevention Act, and other related statutes. The NBI emphasized the importance of counter-intelligence efforts to safeguard national security, especially in areas like Subic Bay, which play a crucial role in maritime patrols and joint naval exercises in the West Philippine Sea.
This incident underscores the growing need for vigilance against espionage activities in strategic locations. As investigations continue, authorities aim to strengthen security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
