Chinese 'spies' living in PH for decades – BI
THE Chinese arrested recently for allegedly spying for China have been living in the Philippines for decades, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said on Sunday. Based on immigration records, the suspects have embedded themselves in the community and even married Filipino women, Viado said. At least three Chinese have been arrested for espionage in the past days, along with their Filipino companions. Viado said some of the suspects "have been here as early as 2002. They have been holding legal statuses and have lived in the country for a long time before they were found to be doing suspicious activities by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Armed Forces of the Philippines." They also had working visas and held jobs in San Juan City and Manila, he added. "We are serious in our efforts to stop these undesirable aliens from abusing our hospitality," said Viado. The bureau is working with the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the military to gather more information about the suspects, he said. Viado said the deportation of the alleged spies will be deferred until criminal cases against them are filed. Foreigners charged in local courts must first face trial, and those convicted must serve their sentence before they are deported. In a related development, the BI and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) signed a Data Sharing Agreement to establish guidelines on the sharing and handling of data in the issuance and implementation of PEZA visas for foreign nationals employed in PEZA's ecozones. Under the agreement, the BI will provide PEZA with information on foreigners applying for PEZA visas. The agreement ensures that all data-sharing activities strictly adhere to the Data Privacy Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations to protect applicants' personal information. "This agreement strengthens our commitment to efficient and transparent visa processing while ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and security of shared information," said Viado. "By working closely with PEZA, we enhance government efficiency while safeguarding the rights of foreign nationals under our jurisdiction." PEZA Director General Tereso Panga welcomed the partnership, highlighting its role in helping foreign investors and workers locate in PEZA ecozones. The two agencies have committed to regularly monitoring compliance with security measures and to immediately notify each other of any breach. The agreement also has strict protocols for data retention, destruction, and disposal, ensuring responsible management of shared information.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE Chinese arrested recently for allegedly spying for China have been living in the Philippines for decades, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said on Sunday.
Based on immigration records, the suspects have embedded themselves in the community and even married Filipino women, Viado said.
At least three Chinese have been arrested for espionage in the past days, along with their Filipino companions. Viado said some of the suspects "have been here as early as 2002. They have been holding legal statuses and have lived in the country for a long time before they were found to be doing suspicious activities by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Armed Forces of the Philippines."
They also had working visas and held jobs in San Juan City and Manila, he added.
"We are serious in our efforts to stop these undesirable aliens from abusing our hospitality," said Viado.
The bureau is working with the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the military to gather more information about the suspects, he said.
Viado said the deportation of the alleged spies will be deferred until criminal cases against them are filed.
Foreigners charged in local courts must first face trial, and those convicted must serve their sentence before they are deported.
In a related development, the BI and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) signed a Data Sharing Agreement to establish guidelines on the sharing and handling of data in the issuance and implementation of PEZA visas for foreign nationals employed in PEZA's ecozones.
Under the agreement, the BI will provide PEZA with information on foreigners applying for PEZA visas.
The agreement ensures that all data-sharing activities strictly adhere to the Data Privacy Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations to protect applicants' personal information.
"This agreement strengthens our commitment to efficient and transparent visa processing while ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and security of shared information," said Viado. "By working closely with PEZA, we enhance government efficiency while safeguarding the rights of foreign nationals under our jurisdiction."
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga welcomed the partnership, highlighting its role in helping foreign investors and workers locate in PEZA ecozones.
The two agencies have committed to regularly monitoring compliance with security measures and to immediately notify each other of any breach.
The agreement also has strict protocols for data retention, destruction, and disposal, ensuring responsible management of shared information.
