China arrests three Filipinos for espionage

Chinese authorities have arrested three Filipino nationals on suspicion of espionage, accusing them of working for the Philippine intelligence agency to gather classified information on China's military, state security officials said.

David Servanez, a long-term resident in China, was detained after he was found repeatedly loitering near military facilities, raising suspicions, according to the authorities. Investigators later determined he was acting under the remote direction of Richie Herrera, an operative for the Philippine intelligence service. Two other Filipinos, Albert Endencia and Nathalie Plizardo, were also allegedly working under Herrera's instructions to collect sensitive information, officials said.

China's State security authorities said the three were arrested after authorities obtained conclusive evidence of their involvement in espionage.

Authorities unveiled that since 2021, the Philippine intelligence agency has recruited and trained Filipino nationals living in China to gather information on the country's military deployments. Servanez reportedly told investigators that he was approached by Philippine intelligence officials while visiting the Philippines and was promised financial rewards for collecting military-related intelligence.

Officials said Herrera recruited the three Filipino nationals in China to expand the intelligence network. Investigators said the three received monthly payments from the Philippine intelligence agency, with additional bonuses for high-value intelligence.

All three suspects have reportedly confessed and expressed remorse. Endencia urged others involved in similar activities to surrender to Chinese authorities, according to state security officials.

The case remains under investigation, and authorities have reiterated that China will take strict action against foreign espionage. Under China's Counterespionage Law, any foreign entity or individual engaging in such activities faces legal consequences.