TWO suspected Chinese spies were arrested in an operation staged by elements of the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) in Brgy. Molino 6, Bacoor City, Cavite.
The suspects were identified only by their aliases Christian and Marcie, both of whom now face charges for violation and misuse of devices and Illegal Interception and system interference under Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the law on espionage.
The ACG launched the surveillance on reported Chinese espionage operation in Luzon after two suspects were caught with “several machines used in intercepting computer data” inside a flogged down vehicle.
Police said the arrests were made following information that an espionage operation was going to take place in an area in Cavite where hacking sensitive information or espionage was ongoing.
At 12:45 a.m., the ACG, backed by the Bacoor police, conducted a checkpoint operation in Soldiers Hills,
Brgy Molino 6, resulting in the apprehension of the suspects.
Also taken in custody was a vehicle loaded with various types of computer machines believed used in the spying and hacking operations.
Among the government activities being monitored by the suspects were communications among state agencies, the ACG said.
The ACG is still conducting follow-up operations to determine if more Chinese nationals were involved in the espionage.