MANILA — Philippine authorities on Thursday said they have arrested 6 foreign nationals, 2 Filipinos in Grande Island, Subic Bay on Wednesday over "suspected espionage and kidnapping activities."

NBI arrests 5 Chinese nationals suspected of espionage

In a press release, the Department of National Defense (DND) said they were serving an arrest warrant against Chinese national Ye Tianwu over alleged violation of Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 when they caught 5 others during the operation. 

Aside from Ye Tianwu, also apprehended were Xu Xining, Ye Xiaocan, Su Anlong, He Peng, Cambodian Ang Deck/Dick, and Filipinos Melvin Mañosa Aguillon, Jr. and Jeffrey Espiridion, who were "employees" of Ang Deck/Dick. 

The authorities recovered multiple cellphones and laptops, one caliber 9mm firearm, and 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Philippines arrests two more Chinese nationals over spying

"[S]ome foreign nationals are using Grande Island under the guise of private enterprises. Such activities, which may be part of larger criminal network operations, pose a serious threat to our national security," the DND noted.

According to DND, Grande Island is a "strategic vantage point" with a clear view of key sea lanes in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.

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The DND said they would seek dialogue with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) "in exploring the possibility of declaring Grande Island, along with nearby Chiquita Island, as military reservations." 

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