MANILA: The Philippine Navy (PN) has safeguarded its communications systems even prior to the signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with the United States in November last year. "As part of the GSOMIA and even before, the PN already has proactive measures in place to ensure that all our communication systems, both at sea and ashore, are protected," Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos stated in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Capt. Alcos did not disclose specific details regarding the proactive measures due to security reasons. The intelligence-sharing agreement is a security initiative designed to protect classified military information and establish a framework for the exchange of such information between the Philippines and the US.

Alcos emphasized that adequate measures are in place on naval vessels and bases to safeguard communications from potential eavesdropping by hostile entities.

Earlier, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Armed Forces of the Philippines apprehended a Chinese national and two of his Filipino accomplices for alleged espionage activities during operations in Makati City last January 17. Initial reports indicated that the trio allegedly conducted surveillance operations using a sports vehicle equipped with devices for espionage on key military installations and infrastructures in Luzon.