MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese national, Tak Hoi Lao, was arrested near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila on Wednesday for possessing an illegal electronic eavesdropping device.
The arrest followed an investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which filed multiple charges, including violations under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and espionage.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated inquest proceedings against Lao, who was apprehended while carrying the device in close proximity to the Comelec office.
The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 addresses illegal activities related to computer systems and electronic communications, while espionage charges suggest suspicions of spying.
Malacañang expressed concern over the incident, with President Ferdinand Marcos reaffirming confidence in the country’s intelligence community. The Chinese embassy condemned the accusations against Lao, calling them “heinous.”
The Philippine government remains vigilant about foreign activities that may impact national security, and authorities are continuing their investigation.
The DOJ is currently handling the legal proceedings, and experts are reviewing the potential consequences of the charges. The case is expected to proceed through the legal system in the coming weeks.
