DFA Seeks Access for Legal Counsel to Three Filipinos Detained in China on Espionage Charges

​The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has formally requested that Chinese authorities permit Philippine legal representatives to contact the three Filipino nationals currently detained in China on charges of alleged espionage. 

• Legal Representation: DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirmed that the department has arranged for legal counsel to assist the detained individuals and is seeking access to facilitate communication between the lawyers and the detainees. ​

• Denial of Espionage Claims: De Vega emphasized that the three Filipinos are not involved in spying activities. ​

• National Security Council's Perspective: The National Security Council (NSC) has expressed skepticism regarding the espionage charges, suggesting that the arrests may be a form of retaliation following the apprehension of Chinese nationals suspected of espionage in the Philippines. NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya highlighted inconsistencies in the confessions aired by Chinese state media, noting references to non-existent agencies like the "Philippine Intelligence Agency" and "Philippine Spy Intelligence Services," and suggesting that the confessions appeared scripted. ​

• Armed Forces of the Philippines' Statement: Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP's public affairs office, stated that the Armed Forces have not received any official reports concerning the arrest of Filipino spies in China and could not confirm claims linking the detainees to the AFP’s Intelligence Service.