MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is warning citizens to remain vigilant after recent arrests revealed several foreign nationals suspected of espionage have been residing in the Philippines for years.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado revealed that the suspects, some of whom have been in the country since 2002, held legal statuses while allegedly engaging in suspicious activities.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) uncovered their covert operations.
“These individuals, some holding working visas for companies in San Juan and Manila, and others married to Filipinos, had integrated into society before their activities were detected,” Viado explained in a statement on Sunday (02 Feb 2025).
He called on the public to report any suspicious behavior by foreign nationals, stressing the importance of protecting national security.
Viado added that the DOJ, NBI, and AFP are collaborating to gather further intelligence and prepare legal actions against the suspects’ associates, aiming for maximum penalties.
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