DFA: Detained Pinoy ‘spies’ in China given legal aid
The Philippine government has provided legal assistance to three Filipinos who are being detained by Chinese authorities for their alleged involvement in spying activities.
“I know for a fact that we have classified these three Filipinos that were arrested as a consular issue. There has been notification—the Chinese government notified us and this is in Guangzhou,” Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said in a press briefing on Monday.
“I just want to say that we have already also hired a law firm to protect these Filipinos. This is what we have done so far toward the protection of these Filipinos in China,” she added.
Lazaro did not give additional details on the matter, saying only that Filipino officials have been granted access to the three.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed in April the arrest of the Filipinos in China, saying the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou was providing them with all necessary assistance, including legal support.
A China Daily report quoting Chinese security authorities identified one of the Filipinos as David Servañez, a “long-term resident” in China who was apprehended after he was repeatedly seen “loitering near military facilities.”
The two other Filipinos were identified as Albert Endencia and Nathalie Plizardo.
