A coordinated operation led by the Department of National Defense (DND) resulted in the arrest of six foreign nationals and two Filipinos on Grande Island, Subic Bay, Wednesday morning.
According to DND Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong, the composite team—comprised of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)—served the arrest warrant.
One of the Chinese nationals arrested was identified as Ye Tianwu, who was apprehended for allegedly violating Republic Act (RA) 8799, the Securities Regulation Code, and RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Also charged were four Chinese nationals, one Cambodian and two Filipinos reportedly employed by the Cambodian. The operation also led to the confiscation of multiple mobile phones, laptops, a nine-millimeter firearm, and 16 rounds of ammunition.
The arrests shed light on illegal activities allegedly carried out on Grande Island, including suspected espionage, kidnapping, and links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).
Authorities believe that some foreign nationals have been using the island as a front for criminal enterprises, posing significant risks to national security.
“This will ultimately help secure the operations of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone including the Riviera Wharf and the Subic Bay International Airport, in consonance with the ongoing development of the naval operating base of the Philippine Navy to strengthen and maintain our strategic presence along our western seaboard,” Andolong said.