Philippine spy network broken up

China's national security authorities have dismantled a Philippine espionage network operating within its borders and detained three Philippine nationals suspected of spying on Chinese soil.

Authorities had noticed a foreigner frequently appearing near military facilities, who was behaving in a highly suspicious manner.

The man was later identified as David Servanez, a Philippine national who is a long-term resident of China. He was apprehended during espionage activity.

Servanez confessed that during a holiday in the Philippines, a man named Richie Herrera, who told him he worked for the Philippine intelligence agency, asked him to gather information on Chinese military deployments and promised to offer monthly payments as an incentive.

Directed remotely by Herrera, Servanez frequently conducted close-range surveillance and took photographs near Chinese military facilities, amassing sensitive information from various sources.

Chinese authorities said that since 2021, Herrera, a Philippine military intelligence operative, has recruited Servanez, Albert Endencia and Nathalie Plizardo — three Philippine nationals living in China — and trained them for covert intelligence missions.

Herrera also tasked them with collecting information on other Filipinos in China in an effort to help the Philippine espionage agency recruit additional operatives.

Chinese authorities also revealed that the Philippine espionage agency wired monthly payments to Servanez and others, with additional bonuses given based on the value of the intelligence they gathered.

Investigations uncovered that the Philippine espionage agency has long tracked China's activities, with a keen focus on collecting intelligence about its military deployments.

Servanez and the others photographed and collected extensive military and classified materials during their time in China, passing them to Herrera and gravely undermining China's national security, authorities said.

After conducting a meticulous investigation and securing solid evidence, China's national security authorities lawfully detained the three Filipinos.

All three suspects have confessed and expressed remorse. In particular, Servanez acknowledged the good living environment China provided him, and said he deeply regretted damaging its interests, authorities said.

Endencia urged others in similar situations to turn themselves in, while Plizardo, who was recruited by Philippine intelligence in January 2024, said she regretted her actions from the bottom of her heart.

The case remains under investigation, with the suspects' legal rights and interests being protected as proceedings continue.

Under China's Counterespionage Law, foreign entities or individuals conducting, instigating or funding others to carry out espionage activities against China's national security will face legal consequences.

The national security agency warns foreigners in China not to participate in espionage or activities that harm China's national security.