MANILA, Philippines – Heads will roll in the alleged spying of National Artist for Literature Bienvenido “Bien” Lumbera, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said on Friday as he ordered an investigation into the issue by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Teodoro said he directed AFP chief Victor Ibrado to look into the matter and punish those who would be found guilty.

“I’m also questioning that and I’m ordering an investigation and a head will roll in case somebody is found really guilty,” he told reporters after attending a hearing at the Senate.

He issued the statement even after the Navy apologized for the bumbling spy work of one of its students, Corporal Hannibal Guerrero, who was sent to Lumbera’s house in Quezon City supposedly to conduct “information verification” as part of a scenario activity.

But Teodoro did not buy the Navy’s explanation.

“I really don’t believe that. You know people should not be the subject of training exercises,” he said.

“It’s not acceptable, definitely not. First time ko nakitang nangyari yan [It’s the first time I saw this happen]. It’s not acceptable,” he further said.