Teodoro expresses concern about espionage case in defense department

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has expressed concern about the reported ‘spies” in the defense and military establishment, pushing Congress to enact laws to update the antiquated espionage laws

Defense Secrtary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. at an inter-agency community outreach program at Laoac, Pangasinan on March 18, 2026. Photo from Department of National Defense.

Manuel Mogato | March 18, 2026

Manila — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has expressed concern about the reported ‘spies” in the defense and military establishment, pushing Congress to enact laws to update the antiquated espionage laws in the country.

“That’s really concerning,” Teodoro said after the National Security Council (NSC) announced the arrest of three civilians caught passing classified information to Chinese intelligence agents.

“It is worrisome, that’s why we’re taking it seriously.”

A civilian staff at the defense department and a civilian working for the Philippine Navy had admitted receiving cash from a foreign handler in exchange for sensitive information, including movement of troops in the West Philippine Sea. (Also read: How prepared are the law enforcement agencies in handling espionage cases in the defense sector?)

A third civilian exploited his friendship with a Coast Guard officer to extract information about movement of government vessels near Bajo de Masinloc.

Teodoro said the investigation into activities of suspected “spies” in the defense and military establishments continue to look for more staff selling information to the Chinese. (Also read: Old espionage techniques still work, the hunt for traitors continue)

But, he is hoping Congress could act to update the anti-espionage law, which was approved before the Second World War.

“Here, because of the lack of law, there is no prosecution,” Teodoro said. “Nothing is happening.”