Anti-war advocate Ben Tiu Contreras denounced as baseless propaganda the claims by some officials that Chinese spies have infiltrated the Philippines.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Contreras argued that no credible evidence has been presented to prove the presence of actual spies, and that such allegations only serve to stir public fear and confusion.
He specifically questioned the assertions of Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez, who alleged that Chinese nationals were “infiltrating” the country through e-visas, saying these statements appear designed more to fuel propaganda than to establish fact.
Contreras challenged authorities to provide concrete data on how many Chinese nationals have entered and what actions the Bureau of Immigration has taken, stressing that so far, no clear proof of espionage has been shown.
He warned that reckless accusations could damage diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, especially at a time when Asia-Pacific tensions are already high.
Contreras underscored that such rhetoric risks dragging the country into unnecessary conflict and undermining national stability.
He urged both government officials and the public to resist being swayed by unverified claims, emphasizing that true national security must be grounded in evidence, not speculation.
Contreras’s remarks highlight a broader call for vigilance against misinformation and the dangers of politicized narratives.
He insisted that the Filipino people deserve clarity and truth, not fear-mongering, and that the government must focus on protecting the nation through data-driven policies rather than inflammatory statements.
His appeal reflects a strong stance against the weaponization of propaganda and a demand for accountability in public discourse.
