AFP disowns 3 convicted Filipino ‘spies’ in Qatar

From the Daily Tribune (May 30): AFP disowns 3 convicted Filipino ‘spies’ in Qatar

The three Filipinos convicted of espionage in Qatar are not connected to any government intelligence unit, a ranking security official told The Tribune.

The official, who asked not to be identified, said that based on initial checking, the three, whose identities remained kept from the public, are private citizens and not members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The source said that immediately after the reported conviction of the three for espionage charges in Qatar, the military, in close coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), immediately launched investigation.

“We are conducting our own investigation on the case together with DFA and NBI,” the official told The Tribune.

“The three Filipinos are private citizens and they are not members of the AFP, hence, they are not connected whatsoever to the military organization,” he added.

The DFA confirmed the conviction of the three Filipinos but no further details were issued as it vowed continued assistance to them.

The DFA, through its spokesman Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, denied the government is engaged in espionage.

Reports from Doha News stated that the Filipinos were charged with leaking information about weaponry, aircraft, maintenance and servicing records between 2009 and 2010 to intelligence officials in the Philippines.

It said the man who received the death penalty worked at a major state-run Qatari company and spied for a “state security force” in the Philippines, while Qatar Air Force employed the other two as technicians.

The main defendant had reportedly given copies of projects tenders to companies, as well as classified information about Qatar Air Force base to Filipino officials, the Doha News said, citing a source close to the case.

One of the three was sentenced to death while the two others were slapped with life imprisonment.

The security official said the government is now concerned that the fate of the three overseas Filipino workers might affect other OFWs in the Middle East.

“Our main concern now is how to assist these Filipinos legally in appealing their case. Their fate might have an effect to the other OFWs working in Arab countries,” said the official.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/afp-disowns-3-convicted-filipino-spies-in-qatar