Manila, Jan. 23 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is taking seriously any indication of espionage operations by foreign nationals in the Philippines.

In a statement Thursday, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the agency notes the ongoing investigation being conducted over alleged espionage activities by a Chinese national in collaboration with Filipinos in the country.

"In accordance with its mandate to help protect national security, the Department takes any indication of espionage operations by foreign nationals seriously," she said.

The DFA, Daza said, stands ready to support the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other relevant government agencies as t...