26-2-2025 (MANILA) Philippine authorities have apprehended two Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in sophisticated electronic surveillance operations throughout Manila’s most sensitive areas.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed that the suspects employed advanced “IMSI catcher” technology—devices capable of mimicking legitimate cell towers to intercept mobile communications within a 1-3 kilometer radius. According to NBI agent Ren Dela Cruz, this operation had already collected “thousands” of data points before authorities intervened.
“These weren’t random drives through the city,” explained Dr. Maria Santos, cybersecurity expert at the University of the Philippines. “The targeted areas suggest a deliberate attempt to gather intelligence from high-value locations critical to Philippine national security and diplomatic relations.”
The surveillance vehicles reportedly operated near several strategic locations, including Malacañang Palace (Presidential residence), the United States Embassy, Camp Aguinaldo (Armed Forces Headquarters), Camp Crame (Philippine National Police Headquarters), and Villamor Air Base.
During Tuesday’s press briefing, authorities presented one of three Filipino accomplices who admitted to being paid ₱3,000 (approximately $52) daily to drive the Chinese suspects around Manila’s key districts. The driver, whose identity remains protected, confessed to participating in these operations since October, stating he was instructed simply to drive with “the box turned on.”
Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Philippine military chief of public affairs, emphasized the severity of the threat: “These individuals were conducting covert and unauthorized intelligence gathering activities, posing a threat to national security.”
