Philippine leftist group condemns US for allegedly using Manila as spy hub in Asia

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemned the United States Sunday for allegedly setting up telecom facilities in the Philippines to intercept internet traffic and telephone calls as part of its network of international intelligence network. In a statement, the CPP, the umbrella organization of the leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) and National Democratic Front (NDF), also slammed the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III for "sitting idly and allowing the U.S. security and defense agencies to use the Philippines as a listening post and wantonly engage in spy operations in outright violation of Philippine sovereignty." The U.S. National Security Agency reportedly was engaged in cyber surveillance in different countries, drawing protests and condemnations from different parts of the world. Manila, in particular, was reportedly being used by the U.S. as major spy hub in Asia. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. refused to comment on the report in Sunday's interview with a state-run radio station. "It would be better for us to see and assess first the report so that we can issue a better comment on that," he said. The CPP expressed belief that the "rapid expansion of the U.S. embassy facilities in Manila is likely related to the increased surveillance and other espionage operations being undertaken by the U.S. defense and security agencies in the Philippines and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region." "It is a great shame that the Aquino regime has kept quiet amidst the international uproar against the U.S. spy program," said the CPP, which has been waging a war against the Philippine government for over four decades.