SENATOR Risa Hontiveros has expressed deep concern over widespread and deeply rooted espionage activities in the Philippines, allegedly orchestrated by China and Chinese nationals.
During a public hearing on human trafficking and scamming activities conducted by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Hontiveros revealed alarming information about the alleged involvement of Chinese intelligence operatives in the country.
Hontiveros presented files on former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, and her family, which she claims confirm Guo’s role as a Chinese intelligence agent.
“I was shocked by the information, which confirms some of my earlier theories that scam cities are used to sow disinformation campaigns to influence hearts and minds,” Hontiveros stated. “It seems that the purpose of these compounds is not only gambling, scams, and trafficking, but also fake news.”
Hontiveros also implicated former President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic adviser, Michael Yang, who was also involved in the Pharmally scandal, as a central figure in Chinese intelligence operations in the Philippines.
The senator further revealed that a spa located beside Newport City in Pasay, known as Yatai Spa, displayed a QR code in its buffet area that, when scanned, led to a Telegram group called Hongsheng, which she believes is linked to supporting overseas Chinese bosses.
“I don’t know if this is the Hongsheng of Guo Hua Ping in Bamban, but nothing surprises me anymore at this point,” Hontiveros added. “It also has a video containing a mishmash of anti-US statements and a call to serve the motherland.”
Hontiveros’ revelations have raised serious concerns about the extent of Chinese intelligence operations in the Philippines. The senator’s call for a thorough investigation into these activities underscores the need for heightened vigilance and a comprehensive strategy to address the potential threat posed by foreign intelligence operations within the country.
