Chinese spy suspect in Intramuros is under investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after being arrested near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila while in possession of a powerful surveillance device.
The suspect was reportedly found carrying an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher, a tool capable of intercepting phone communications within several kilometers of range.
According to NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin, agents are currently analyzing the seized equipment to determine the scope of the suspect’s operations and to assess how much data may have been collected or stolen.
Lavin revealed that the arrested Chinese national had previously moved around and passed by multiple sensitive locations, including critical government infrastructure and military installations.
Among the areas reportedly surveilled are Villamor Airbase, several naval stations, a major seaport, the Department of Justice central office, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the United States Embassy in Manila.
The suspect also allegedly circled the Comelec central office in Intramuros several times in the days leading up to his arrest by law enforcement and NBI agents.
The NBI is currently investigating whether the stolen data was being sold or transmitted to third parties, and whether it is being used in a manner that could pose a threat to national security or support foreign intelligence operations.
Lavin confirmed that the IMSI catcher found inside the suspect’s vehicle was functional and had already been used, raising concerns over the potential compromise of sensitive communications.
This alarming development comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over foreign interference, especially near electoral and defense-related institutions.