MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) warned on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, of a growing pattern of foreign espionage following a series of arrests involving foreign nationals with suspected military or intelligence ties.
Key Incidents and Arrests:
- Zambales Operation: A Mongolian national and a graduating pilot were detained in Iba, Zambales. Investigations revealed the pilot held a fighter jet license and had concealed connections to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
- Bohol Arrest: A Chinese national identified by the surname “Guo” (48 years old) was arrested on February 17 in Panglao, Bohol. Guo allegedly used fake Philippine documents, including a driver’s license, and Filipino nominees to operate local businesses.
- Common Pattern: Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, noted a distinct two-year trend involving foreign nationals, particularly from China, engaging in intelligence-gathering activities under various covers.
Military Posture:
The AFP attributed the discovery of these activities to its shift toward the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which has enhanced monitoring of both external and domestic threats.
Rear Adm. Trinidad emphasized that the military is working in close coordination with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), NBI, and PNP to dismantle these intelligence networks. While the exact number of active foreign operatives is undisclosed, recent high-profile arrests were the result of intensified inter-agency intelligence operations.