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PNP to assist NBI on 'wiretapping' probe
By Nidz Godino
"It can lead to downsizing of Chinese embassy in Metro Manila, it depends on what can be proven," Sen. Francis Tolentino said Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to support National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in its probe on alleged wiretapping activities of Chinese embassy.
PNP information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said PNP is ready to give assistance in NBI investigation, ordered by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Remulla issued order after Chinese embassy released transcript of alleged conversation between its diplomat and former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos.
Conversation supposedly occurred last Jan. 3, is about "new model" for managing dispute between two sides on Ayungin Shoal.
Chinese embassy officials, along with defense and security officials, would be invited by Senate panel that would investigate, in aid of legislation, alleged wiretapping against Carlos, which is considered serious breach of existing international law for foreign embassy.
In interview, Tolentino said invitation was anchored on his Senate Resolution 1023, calling for Senate committee on national defense chaired by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to conduct inquiry.
Tolentino clarified regardless of outcome of Senate investigation, content would be extraneous from NBI investigation. "We only want to know if there was wiretapping."
He said that depending on findings of investigation, all embassy personnel, including non-diplomatic personnel, clerical staff, cooks and drivers who were given visas could have these canceled and they would be sent home.
"They can be declared persona non grata, or they could be sent home… I would not preempt Department of Foreign Affairs' action, it can lead to DFA calling for reduction in size of personnel of embassy," he added.
He said downsizing embassy would be first. "Chinese embassy has consulate offices in Cebu, Davao and surprisingly they have consulate in Ilocos Norte," he said.
Under Republic Act 4200 or Anti-Wiretapping Act, it is unlawful for any person not authorized by parties to any private communication or spoken word to record conversations.
Resolution noted on May 6, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian spoke at press conference and said China has repeatedly negotiated with Philippines' AFP WesCom to discuss "new model" for West Philippine Sea (WPS) and that Philippine military has confirmed it had been approved by entire command chain, including Philippines' defense ministry and national security adviser.
"On May 7, China has likewise threatened to release transcript and audio recording of alleged phone conversation that happened on Jan. 3 between Chinese officials and Carlos wherein latter allegedly agreed to 'new model' in handling resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre," resolution added.
"On the same day, DFA issued statement emphasizing that only Philippine President can approve or authorize agreements entered into by Philippine government on matters pertaining to the WPS," resolution added. "In this respect, DFA can confirm that no Cabinet-level official of Marcos administration has agreed to any Chinese proposal pertaining to Ayungin Shoal."
Resolution added AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr., one of the high-ranking officers mentioned in wiretapped conversation, vehemently denied agreeing to such model.
Resolution noted China's claim of audio recording allegedly between Carlos and Chinese diplomat does not merit significant concern as it appears to be malign influence effort from Chinese Communist Party.
"Transcripts can easily be fabricated and audio recordings can be manufactured by using deepfakes… reports only aim to serve as distraction from China Coast Guard's ongoing aggressive behavior in WPS," resolution said.
Meanwhile, Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval said they have not received any request for information on Chinese individuals who may be linked to alleged wiretapping operations of Chinese embassy.
"So far, it is not in our radar. .. no information about that or request for data of those involved in this case…but we are closely monitoring this and BI database is ready to share information if they need details about specific individuals related to this case," she said during Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
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