Manila: The government is taking seriously the reports of Chinese 'sleeper agents' and members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) operating within the country, Malaca±ang said on Friday. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the National Security Council (NSC) is intensifying monitoring and counterintelligence efforts to safeguard national security.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro added that the NSC is in close coordination with law enforcement agencies and intelligence units to address the issue of foreign espionage. 'We cannot go into specifics for security reasons, but we can assure the public that our security forces are actively monitoring and addressing these threats,' she said, citing the NSC statement. 'The government does not take espionage lightly and we act swiftly when credible intelligence is verified,' Castro added.

Castro said prompt response and recent operations have resulted in the arrest of suspected foreign operatives. 'Our agencies are not standing still,' Castro said. 'So, rest assured po na ginagawa po nila ang kanilang trabaho (that they are doing their jobs).'

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday called on concerned government agencies to continue hot pursuit operations against those engaged in espionage activities, raising alarm over the presence of Chinese sleeper agents and PLA operatives. Citing reports, Lacson said Chinese nationals have been arrested for suspected espionage in several areas of the country, including Malaca± Manila grounds, Palawan province, Makati City, Dumaguete City, near the military general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, and the Commission on Elections office in Manila.