By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – Combined military and law enforcement operatives on Wednesday arrested six foreign nationals and their two Filipino companions during operations in Grande Island, Subic Bay in Zambales province, the Department of National Defense (DND) confirmed on Thursday.
In a statement, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said one of the arrested foreigners identified as Qiu Feng, whose real name is Ye Tianwu, had an arrest warrant for violations under Republic Act (RA) 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, and RA 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
He also said Ye, a Chinese national, is also known as Qing Feng.
“Aside from Ye Tianwu, Philippine authorities also apprehended Xu Xining; Ye Xiaocan; Su Anlong; and He Peng; along with Cambodian Ang Deck/Dick; and Filipinos Melvin Mañosa Aguillon, Jr. and Jeffrey Espiridion, who are employees of Ang Deck/Dick,” Andolong said.
Recovered from the suspects were multiple cellphones and laptops along with one 9mm firearm, and 16 rounds ammunition.
No other details are immediately available.
Andolong said the arrest of the suspects exposed their unlawful activities that could include suspected espionage and kidnapping activities related to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), for which some foreign nationals are using Grande Island under the guise of private enterprises.
He added such activities could be part of larger criminal network operations that could pose a serious threat to the country’s national security.
Andolong said the DND is looking forward to working with the concerned agencies, including the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, in exploring the possibility of declaring Grande Island, along with nearby Chiquita Island, as military reservations.
He added that this would help secure the operations of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone including the Riviera Wharf and the Subic Bay International Airport.
Andolong said this is in line with ongoing development of a naval operating base in Subic which seeks to strengthen and maintain the Philippines’ strategic presence along the western seaboard.
Grande Island is a strategic vantage point with a clear view of key sea lanes in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). (PNA)
