NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
NSC Sounds The Alarm: Espionage Charges Against 3 Pinoys In China Raise More Questions Than Answers
Photo credit: NSC
The National Security Council (NSC) just broke its silence, and the message is loud and clear: they’re deeply concerned over the espionage charges slapped on three Filipinos recently arrested in China.
In a statement released by NSC Assistant Director-General and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya on April 5, the Council said it is alarmed by the accusations made by the Chinese government—especially since the three Filipinos were in China as part of a government-endorsed scholarship program. These individuals were actually scholars under the Hainan Government Scholarship Program, a goodwill initiative tied to the sisterhood agreement between Hainan province and Palawan. Malaya emphasized that they’re regular citizens, not spies, and definitely not trained in any military capacity.
“They were invited by the Chinese government to study there. These are law-abiding citizens with no criminal records,” Malaya stressed, pointing out that even the Chinese side had vetted them before letting them in.
One of the most eyebrow-raising parts of the NSC’s statement? The so-called “confessions” that were aired on Chinese media. Malaya says the videos feel suspiciously scripted. In fact, some statements oddly paint China in a positive light, while also referencing a made-up agency called the “Philippine Spy Intelligence Services”—which, let’s be honest, doesn’t even exist.
The timing also isn’t sitting well with Philippine officials. The NSC hinted that this could be China retaliating for the Philippines’ recent arrest of Chinese nationals linked to intelligence and criminal activities on local soil.
So, what happens now? Malaya assured the public that the safety and rights of the three Filipinos are the top priority. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing and the Department of Foreign Affairs are already involved, making sure the accused get legal support and due process.
The NSC called on all Filipinos to stay vigilant and united. “Let’s stand together for truth, justice, and the safety of our fellow Filipinos abroad,” Malaya said.
Bottom line: The situation is still unfolding, and the Philippine government wants answers—real ones, not scripted soundbites.
In a statement released by NSC Assistant Director-General and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya on April 5, the Council said it is alarmed by the accusations made by the Chinese government—especially since the three Filipinos were in China as part of a government-endorsed scholarship program. These individuals were actually scholars under the Hainan Government Scholarship Program, a goodwill initiative tied to the sisterhood agreement between Hainan province and Palawan. Malaya emphasized that they’re regular citizens, not spies, and definitely not trained in any military capacity.
“They were invited by the Chinese government to study there. These are law-abiding citizens with no criminal records,” Malaya stressed, pointing out that even the Chinese side had vetted them before letting them in.
One of the most eyebrow-raising parts of the NSC’s statement? The so-called “confessions” that were aired on Chinese media. Malaya says the videos feel suspiciously scripted. In fact, some statements oddly paint China in a positive light, while also referencing a made-up agency called the “Philippine Spy Intelligence Services”—which, let’s be honest, doesn’t even exist.
The timing also isn’t sitting well with Philippine officials. The NSC hinted that this could be China retaliating for the Philippines’ recent arrest of Chinese nationals linked to intelligence and criminal activities on local soil.
So, what happens now? Malaya assured the public that the safety and rights of the three Filipinos are the top priority. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing and the Department of Foreign Affairs are already involved, making sure the accused get legal support and due process.
The NSC called on all Filipinos to stay vigilant and united. “Let’s stand together for truth, justice, and the safety of our fellow Filipinos abroad,” Malaya said.
Bottom line: The situation is still unfolding, and the Philippine government wants answers—real ones, not scripted soundbites.
Apr 5, 2025
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