MANILA — National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año on Tuesday (21 Jan 2025) called on lawmakers to swiftly pass amendments to the Espionage Act and the Countering Foreign Interference and Malign Influence Bill to combat growing espionage threats.
Año emphasized the importance of enhancing the country’s legal framework to address evolving security challenges and to ensure harsher penalties for individuals or groups attempting to undermine national security. “We urge Congress to prioritize these amendments to ensure that those who threaten our sovereignty face the full force of the law,” he stated.
He also praised the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the intelligence community for their recent success in arresting a Chinese national and his Filipino accomplices, who were involved in espionage activities within the country.
“Their vigilance highlights the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting our nation from foreign interference,” Año added. “These arrests underscore the ongoing risks posed by such activities.”
The NSA further highlighted the critical need for continued vigilance, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and proactive measures to protect the country’s critical infrastructure and defense systems. He urged the public to report any suspicious activities to authorities.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla assured the public that the military is consistently working to prevent espionage attempts. “We are actively detecting and deterring any future threats,” she said.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad of the Philippine Navy warned that espionage could provide foreign powers with strategic advantages, emphasizing the broad scope of information—political, economic, military—that could be exploited by foreign entities.
The government remains committed to reinforcing national security and ensuring the safety and sovereignty of the Filipino people.
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