MANILA -- Another Chinese national has been caught in possession of an international mobile subscriber identity device, or IMSI catcher.

This electronic device can intercept mobile communications, including text messages.

The equipment was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, which was parked just a few meters away from the Commission on Elections main office.

Authorities warn that such devices can be used for espionage.

“Itong IMSI catcher na ito, nakakasagap ng maraming mensahe. Bakit ilang ulit na sila dito sa Comelec? Ano ang sinasagap nila na impormasyon?” said NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

The NBI had been monitoring the suspect for five days. He was reportedly spotted visiting other sensitive locations in Bicutan, Makati, and Manila.

Investigators also confirmed that the vehicle used by the suspect stopped near several foreign embassies along Roxas Boulevard.

With the midterm polls fast approaching, authorities said they could no longer take chances.

“As much as possible, iniingatan natin ang eleksyon. Pero kung may ganito na gumagulo sa ating election process, hindi ito maganda,” Santiago said.

“We have to protect our national security position, especially as we enter the last few days before the elections," added BI spokesperson Atty. Ferdinand Lavin.

This is the fourth Chinese national caught with an IMSI catcher. The suspect denies owning the device, claiming he is just a tourist.

In a text message to ABS-CBN News, Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia assured that no systems were breached.

“We ran the tests. Nothing was compromised on any of our systems," Garcia said, adding that the Comelec's main office does not contain any election data.