Manila, Feb. 25 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying efforts to address a suspected rise in espionage involving foreign nationals.

In a statement Wednesday, the PNP said it is coordinating closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and other agencies to investigate and monitor suspected intelligence-gathering activities by foreign nationals.

The move follows AFP reports of increased arrests of foreigners suspected of espionage, which the military warned could threaten national security.

On Feb. 20, the BI arrested Chinese national Zhi Ling Guan, also known as Shi Nengyuan and Mike Sy, in Batangas for falsely claiming Filipino citizenship and using fraudulent documents. Authori...