The Philippines expressed concerns over media reports alleging foreign covert operations in the country, prompted by an Al Jazeera 101 East documentary on a Chinese fugitive detained in Thailand. The fugitive, She Zhijiang, is wanted by Beijing for allegedly running illegal online gambling operations and claimed to have spied for China. He stated that he and Alice Guo, a former Philippine mayor, were recruited by China’s Ministry of State Security to work on foreign intelligence operations in late 2016. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) did not directly name any foreign actor or entity in its statement but said it was coordinating with relevant agencies to address the matter and protect national security.
The DFA spokesperson, Teresita Daza, emphasized that the department was taking the reports seriously and monitoring relevant developments regarding alleged foreign covert operations in the Philippines. The concern arises from the potential threat to national security posed by foreign entities engaging in covert operations within the country. The documentary raised suspicions about the activities of the Chinese fugitive and others involved in intelligence operations, highlighting the importance of investigating and addressing such issues to protect the Philippines’ sovereignty and security.
The revelation of alleged foreign covert operations conducted in the Philippines has raised alarm and prompted the government to respond by coordinating with relevant agencies to address the issue. The involvement of a Chinese fugitive wanted for illegal gambling operations claiming to have spied for China, along with a former Philippine mayor working for China’s Ministry of State Security, has sparked concerns about potential foreign interference in the country. The DFA’s statement reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need to safeguard national security against external threats.
The Al Jazeera documentary shed light on the activities of a Chinese fugitive and a former Philippine mayor recruited by China’s Ministry of State Security for covert operations in the Philippines. The information revealed in the documentary raised questions about foreign interference in the country and the potential risks involved in such operations. The Philippine government’s response to these allegations underscores the importance of protecting national sovereignty and security against external threats, particularly when foreign entities are suspected of engaging in covert activities within the country.
The DFA’s acknowledgment of the reports and its commitment to monitoring developments related to alleged foreign covert operations reflect the government’s proactive stance on safeguarding national security. The collaboration with relevant agencies to address the issue demonstrates a coordinated effort to investigate and respond to potential threats posed by foreign entities engaging in covert operations in the Philippines. By taking the reports seriously and monitoring relevant information, the government aims to protect the country from external interference and maintain its sovereignty.
In conclusion, the Philippines’ concerns over alleged foreign covert operations highlighted in the Al Jazeera documentary underscore the importance of safeguarding national security against external threats. The involvement of a Chinese fugitive and a former Philippine mayor in espionage activities for China’s Ministry of State Security raises alarm about potential foreign interference in the country. The DFA’s response to the reports reflects a commitment to addressing the issue and coordinating with relevant agencies to protect national sovereignty and security. The government’s proactive approach to monitoring developments related to alleged covert operations demonstrates a dedication to safeguarding the Philippines from external threats and preserving its autonomy.
