Manila – Authorities in the Philippines have arrested six foreign nationals suspected of espionage after they were caught using drones to monitor naval movements in Subic Bay. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that the suspects, five Chinese and one Cambodian, were apprehended on March 19 on Grande Island, along with their Filipino bodyguard.
According to the NBI, the individuals posed as fishermen transporting bait while secretly surveilling Philippine and US naval assets in the area.
Undercover Surveillance on Grande Island
Van Homer Angluben, executive officer of the NBI’s Cybercrime Division, stated that the suspects were observed engaging in suspicious activities under the guise of recreational fishing.
“During our surveillance, we noticed that these individuals frequently operated drones, particularly when boats were passing by,” Angluben revealed.
Identities of the Suspects
The arrested Chinese nationals were identified as He Peng (also known as Nan Ke), Xu Xuning, Ye Tianwu (also known as Qui Feng or Quing Feng), Ye Xiaocan, and Su Anlong. The Cambodian suspect was named Dick Ang, while the Filipino bodyguard was identified as Melvin Aguillon.
Notably, Ye Tianwu had an outstanding warrant of arrest issued by a Tarlac City court for violating the Securities Regulation Code.
Strategic Location for Espionage
Grande Island, located in Subic Bay, offers a strategic vantage point for monitoring naval operations. The NBI has been conducting surveillance on the island since last year, suspecting its potential use for intelligence gathering.
On March 17, the Armed Forces of the Philippines alerted the NBI to the presence of foreign nationals engaged in covert activities in the area. Investigations revealed that the suspects were frequently seen lingering at wharves late at night, closely observing naval ships, including those from allied nations.
“Because of its location, the island provides an ideal spot to track naval assets entering and exiting Subic Bay, especially during maritime patrols or joint naval drills in the West Philippine Sea,” the NBI reported.
Evidence of Espionage
Authorities recovered significant evidence linking the suspects to surveillance activities, including photographs and videos of US naval vessels, a naval operating base, and cargo ships.
One crucial piece of evidence was a handwritten note in Chinese, which, when translated, contained detailed records of boat movements, including dates, times, and vessel information related to Subic Bay’s port activities.
Additionally, law enforcement officers seized fake identification documents and falsified Bureau of Internal Revenue papers from the suspects.
The case underscores growing concerns over foreign intelligence operations in the region, particularly in strategically important maritime areas. Investigations are ongoing as authorities determine the full extent of the espionage network and its possible implications for national security.
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