The Philippine Army (PA) announced on Monday that it has been implementing “appropriate security protocols” to safeguard its camps and facilities nationwide, following the recent arrest of five Chinese nationals allegedly involved in unauthorized surveillance activities targeting naval installations in Palawan.
“We have been implementing appropriate security protocols to ensure safety and security in all our Army camps. Likewise, we have strengthened our intelligence monitoring,” said PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.
When asked if these security measures include 24/7 roving patrols across all Philippine Army camps and facilities, Dema-ala confirmed that such protocols have been in place for a long time.
“We’ve been implementing these protocols even before incidents like this occurred. Our physical security operates 24/7,” he added.
For security reasons, Dema-ala declined to provide further details on the specific measures being undertaken.
Arrest of Chinese Nationals Linked to Alleged Espionage
The Army’s statement comes after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) presented five Chinese nationals suspected of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activities within the country.
The suspects, identified as Cai Shaohuang, Cheng Hai Tao, Wu Cheng Ting, Wang Yong Yi, and Wu Chin Ren, were apprehended during pursuit operations conducted from January 24 to 25 in Palawan, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), and in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
Authorities also presented drone-captured video footage and military-grade, high-resolution video cameras disguised as civilian CCTV systems, which were allegedly used to gather sensitive data.
Espionage Concerns Over Sensitive Military Sites
According to AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the data collected from solar-powered surveillance cameras were being transmitted in real-time to an undisclosed remote location.
“That could be why, in the past, foreign ships appeared to be aware whenever we deployed Coast Guard and naval resupply ships,” Brawner remarked.
Recovered images included surveillance footage of the Naval Detachment Oyster Bay in Barangay Bahile, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, which is part of the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces West (NavForWest) operating near the contested West Philippine Sea.
Additional images showed:
- The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), a Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel
- Maps covering the Subic Bay International Airport and Naval Operating Base Subic
- Footage of various Philippine Coast Guard ships
Heightened Security Measures Amid Growing Maritime Tensions
The arrests have raised concerns over possible foreign espionage activities targeting the Philippines’ maritime defense operations, particularly in areas near the West Philippine Sea, where territorial tensions continue to escalate.
While the Philippine Army remains tight-lipped about the full scope of its security measures, officials reaffirm their commitment to strengthening military security protocols, enhancing intelligence-gathering efforts, and ensuring the protection of national security against foreign threats.