Photo: NBI

MANILA, Philippines – After the arrest of several Chinese nationals as well as Filipinos for alleged espionage last month, the National Bureau of Investigation caught five individuals yet again for doing alleged illegal surveillance around key military and government installations including the Malacañang Palace. 

An operation on February 20 resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals and three Filipinos caught spying around government facilities such as the Villamor Airbase, Camp Aguinaldo, Malacañang Palace and the US Embassy, among others. 

The Filipino suspects were identified as Omar Khan Kashim Joveres, Leo Laraya Panti and Mark Angelo Boholst Binza. 

According to the NBI, the three said they were only commissioned by a Chinese national named Ni Qinhui, residing in a condominium in Malate, Manila, to drive around the said areas for a fee of P2,500.00 to P3,000.00 a month. 

Because of their confession, NBI operatives raided the residence of Qinhui and arrested him together with his cohort Zheng Wei. 

Qinhui’s wife admitted that her husband had several ICT (Information and Communication Technology) equipment in their condominium unit and that he did employ Omar, Leo, and Mark to run and operate the equipment  within Metro Manila. 

NBI Director Jaime Santiago shows the subject vehicle of the suspects containing advanced ICT equipment used in illegal surveillance 

To prove her innocence, she voluntarily surrendered multiple sets of the said equipment to the NBI. 

Arrested subjects underwent inquest proceedings before the Office of the State Prosecutor, and the Department of Justice for violations of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Commonwealth Act No. 616 or Espionage. 

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