Eight individuals arrested for espionage and kidnapping in Subic

Six foreign nationals and two Filipinos were arrested on Wednesday for alleged espionage and kidnapping in Subic Bay Freeport. The arrests happened on Grande Island, related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogo), as confirmed by the Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday. A team from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority conducted the operation. They arrested a Chinese national named Qiu Feng, also known as Ye Tianwu, for violating laws related to securities regulation and cybercrime. The other arrested individuals include four more Chinese nationals, a Cambodian national, and two Filipinos. Authorities seized multiple cell phones, laptops, a 9mm firearm, and ammunition during the operation. The DND stated that these arrests reveal unlawful activities by foreign nationals posing as legitimate businesses, which could threaten national security. Following this operation, the DND plans to work with other agencies to potentially designate Grande Island and Chiquita Island as military reservations. This move aims to enhance security in the Subic Special Economic Zone and support the development of the Philippine Navy's naval base. Grande Island is strategically important for monitoring key sea routes in the West Philippine Sea.