President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered authorities to closely monitor the case of three Filipinos accused of espionage in China.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President has directed concerned government agencies to provide legal assistance and all necessary support to the accused individuals.
The Palace declined to comment on whether the arrests may be China’s retaliation following the apprehension of alleged Chinese spies in the Philippines.
Castro explained that investigations into the matter are still ongoing, hence the government is withholding further remarks.
Earlier, the National Security Council (NSC) expressed concern over the arrests, asserting that the three Filipinos were believed to be ordinary citizens.
NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya also questioned the credibility of the video aired by Chinese state television, in which the three reportedly confessed. Malaya said the footage appeared to be scripted.
