A suspected Chinese spy who had previously been arrested by the authorities has lived in the country for over 10 years raising speculations there are many more like him who have successfully integrated into local communities.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado revealed on Saturday that the foreigner arrived in the Philippines in 2013 and he was granted a permanent residency visa after marrying a 36-year-old Filipina, raising the possibility he was a sleeper agent.

In accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect the national security, Viado said the BI has been continuously collaborating with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and other law enforcement agencies to guard against espionage.

On verification, the records showed the Chinese national had been residing in Metro Manila for about 12 years and had made many trips out of the country.

Viado said they were collecting the information that the intelligence agencies would require to trace the suspected foreign agent’s connections.

The BI is starting deportation proceedings against the Chinese man but will postpone its implementation until he faces the complaints in local courts.

Nabbed with 2 Pinoys

The Chinese national was arrested with two Filipinos by the National Bureau of Investigation for allegedly conducting surveillance activities.

NBI Cybercrime Division chief Jeremy Lotoc said the group frequently visited military camps, bases, power plants, local government offices, police camps, seaports, airports and shopping malls.

The authorities reportedly seized equipment such as rovers and mapping devices that could be for spying.

China dismisses spy rap

The Chinese embassy in Manila issued a denial, calling the allegations “baseless speculations and accusations.”

“The Chinese embassy has expressed concerns to the Philippine side and requested for a consular visit to the said Chinese citizen to assist,” a spokesperson for the foreign mission said.