Subic Bay Spy Bust: Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage

Philippine authorities arrested six Chinese nationals and a Filipino near Subic Bay, suspected of spying on US and Philippine naval operations. This action increases the number of detained Chinese for espionage to twelve this year, amid heightened tensions with China over South China Sea disputes.

In a significant security operation, Philippine authorities have apprehended six Chinese nationals and one Filipino, accused of espionage activities near the strategic Subic Bay. This was reported by Radio Free Asia and raises the total number of Chinese nationals detained for espionage in the Philippines to twelve this year.

The suspects were detained following intelligence provided by the Philippine military to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), indicating the presence of foreign nationals involved in covert intelligence activities. These individuals allegedly engaged in collecting sensitive information that could impact the region's national defense.

NBI director Jaime Santiago stated that the suspects posed as recreational fishermen but were observed using drones to surveil naval assets. Subic Bay, historically significant due to its past as the largest U.S. naval base, remains under scrutiny amid increased tensions between Manila and Beijing, particularly regarding the South China Sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)