3-10-2024 (MANILA) In a development that has sent ripples through the Philippines’ political and diplomatic circles, the nation’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced its intention to investigate reports of alleged foreign covert operations within its borders. The announcement, made on Thursday, 3 October, comes in response to a controversial documentary that has raised questions about potential Chinese intelligence activities in the Southeast Asian nation.
While the DFA’s statement carefully avoided naming any specific foreign entity, spokesperson Teresita Daza confirmed to journalists that the inquiry was prompted by an Al Jazeera 101 East documentary featuring She Zhijiang, a Chinese fugitive currently detained in Thailand. She, wanted by Beijing for allegedly orchestrating illegal online gambling operations, made startling claims in the documentary about his past involvement in espionage activities for China, asserting that he was recruited in the Philippines in late 2016.
The documentary’s most explosive allegation involves Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban in Tarlac province, whom She claims worked alongside him for China’s Ministry of State Security – the primary agency responsible for foreign intelligence operations. These assertions have reignited concerns about foreign interference in Philippine affairs, particularly given the ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
“The department takes such reports seriously and is monitoring relevant developments in this regard,” Daza stated, emphasising the gravity with which the DFA views these allegations. However, when pressed about potential coordination with Chinese authorities on the matter, Daza demurred, citing a lack of information.
The case of Alice Guo, also known by her Chinese name Guo Hua Ping, has become a focal point of national interest. Guo’s political career came to an abrupt end earlier this year when she was dismissed from her mayoral post amidst investigations by both the Senate and Congress into her alleged connections to offshore gambling operations targeting Chinese clients. These inquiries have also linked her to various criminal activities.
Despite facing graft and money laundering complaints, Guo has vehemently denied accusations of being a Chinese spy, insisting on her status as a natural-born Philippine citizen. However, her protestations have failed to convince key figures such as Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is spearheading the investigations into these matters.
The situation has taken on added significance in light of the Philippines’ increasingly complex relationship with China.
