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Manalo: DFA execs in China ‘closely monitoring’ 3 arrested Filipinos

Manalo: DFA execs in China ‘closely monitoring’ 3 arrested Filipinos

Provided by INQUIRER.net.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office.
Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs in China are 'closely monitoring' developments on the three Filipinos, who were arrested in Beijing for suspected espionage. — File photo from the DFA/Facebook



MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs in China are “closely monitoring” developments on three Filipinos arrested in Beijing for suspected espionage, according to DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo.

“As far as I understand, they are still under investigation, but our officials there in China are closely watching and monitoring any developments,” he said when asked for updates on the case during an ambush interview after the Maritime Security Symposium 2025 on Thursday.

On April 4, the Philippine government confirmed the arrest of three Filipinos in China. Reports on their apprehension were first published in Chinese state-run news outlets last April 3.

READ: DFA confirms arrest of 3 Filipinos in China for alleged espionage

The report claimed that “Philippine intelligence agencies have long been focused on gathering information about China’s military deployments.”

The suspected spies were identified as David Servañez, Albert Endencia, and Nathalie Plizardo.  Servañez was arrested in October 2024, Endencia was collared in January this year, and Plizardo in February.

According to Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza, they have been formally made aware of the charges against the three Filipinos who are currently detained in China.

“Protecting the rights and interests of the said Filipinos remains the prime priority for the Philippine government,” said Daza.

For his part, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed doubt on the reports.

Teodoro pointed out that spying in a “closed society police state," which meant the government exerts strict control over all aspects of life, is almost impossible.

 

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AFP-JIJI PRESS NEWS JOURNAL


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