Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro 

MANILA, Philippines – Security at the Malacañang Palace has been tightened following the interception of two Chinese spies caught doing illegal surveillance around its complex as well as other vital government installations like military compounds and airports. 

In a press briefing Thursday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro highlighted the importance of beefing up the defenses against illegal foreign espionage not only in the Palace but also of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

“Nakakaalarma po talaga iyang balita na iyan, at pagpupursigihin pa po natin at paiigtingin po natin ang ating puwersa para po masugpo ang mga sinasabi at napagbibintangang spies (That news is really alarming, and we will continue and intensify our force to address the alleged spies),” Castro said. 

Last February 20, the National Bureau of Investigation nabbed, yet again, two Chinese nationals and three Filipinos caught spying around Villamor Airbase, Camp Aguinaldo, Malacañang Palace and the US Embassy, among others. 

Earlier in January, one Chinese along with two Filipino cohorts made headlines after being caught spying Luzon island using high-powered information and communication technology equipment. 

Also in January, five Chinese were caught spying in Palawan specifically monitoring the West Philippine Sea.