Manila: The National Security Council (NSC) has raised concerns over the arrest of three Filipino nationals in China on allegations of espionage, emphasizing that these individuals are 'ordinary Filipino citizens with no military training.'

According to Philippines News Agency, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya highlighted that the Filipino citizens in question are law-abiding and have no criminal records. They were also vetted and screened by the Chinese government prior to their arrival in China. The limited information released by Chinese media suggests that their detention may be a response to recent legitimate arrests of Chinese agents and accomplices in the Philippines.

Malaya also referenced an edited video released by Chinese media, which purportedly shows 'confessions' by the detained Filipinos. He expressed skepticism about the authenticity of these confessions, noting that one of the statements, while expressing regret, portrayed China positively. Malaya pointed out the mention of a 'Philippine Intelligence Agency' or 'Philippine Spy Intelligence Services,' which are not actual government entities, suggesting that the confessions may have been scripted and not made voluntarily.

The three individuals arrested were former scholars of the Hainan Government Scholarship Program, a part of the sisterhood agreement between Hainan and Palawan, which provides scholarships to students from Palawan at Hainan National University. Malaya clarified that their presence in China was at the invitation of the Chinese government for educational purposes.

He assured that the Philippine government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the detained citizens, promising to provide them with the necessary legal support. Malaya urged the Chinese government to respect their rights and give them a fair opportunity to defend themselves, similar to how Chinese nationals are treated in the Philippines.

Malaya also encouraged the Filipino public to remain vigilant and discerning regarding these accusations, urging unity in the pursuit of truth, justice, and adherence to international law, with a focus on the welfare of citizens abroad.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has acknowledged the importance of the situation but has deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is currently handling the case.