By Jeffrey Damicog

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday urged concerned government agencies to conduct counter-intelligence operations against possible Chinese spies who might have infiltrated Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“Everything is possible in espionage. And it’s neither discussed openly nor investigated by law enforcement agents,” said Guevarra.

“Discreet counter-intelligence operation is the usual way to deal with it,” he pointed out.

Sen. Richard Gordon earlier claimed that Chinese spies might have infiltrated POGOs in the country.

READ MORE: AMLC should explain why money laundering flourishes

The lawmaker pointed this out after a Chinese POGO worker was killed in Makati City by alleged members of the Chinese government’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Gordon said it is a possibility that the Chinese government has been using POGOs to finance its intelligence activities as well as infiltrate the Philippines to gather intelligence.

Malacañang has called on Gordon to provide more information about his claims.

READ MORE: Palace urges Gordon: Provide info on spies in POGOs

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Palace will most likely conduct its own probe on the matter but added that President Duterte will likely wait for the Senate to finish with its investigation first.

The Senate is currently conducting an inquiry concerning POGO operations in the country.

READ MORE: Senators wary of money laundering in POGO