PH on China travel advisory: Gov't not targeting any nationality

Metro Manila, Philippines – The government has assured China that it is not targeting any nationality in law enforcement operations.

Malacañang made the statement following Beijing’s travel advisory urging its citizens to take security precautions due to an “unstable public order situation.”

"Philippine law enforcement agencies have frequently investigated and harassed Chinese citizens and enterprises, political rallies and demonstrations have increased significantly, and the security risks faced by Chinese citizens and institutions in the Philippines have increased," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that the government is not singling out a nationality.

“We can assure China na hindi na po tayo nagta-target ng particular nationality or particular national na para i-harass. Tandaan po natin, lahat po dito ay welcome, except po of course kapag gumagawa po ng krimen,"* she said.

[Translation: We can assure China that we are not targeting any particular nationality or individual for harassment. Let’s remember that everyone is welcome here - except, of course, those committing crimes]

Castro said there could be more law enforcement actions involving Chinese nationals due to the crackdown on offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

"Iniimplement po natin kung ano po ang batas. Malamang po nasasabi po nila ito dahil sa ating pagpapatupad dito sa POGO na dapat ay mawala na sa atin, at karamihan po dito ay mga Chinese nationals. So, malamang po ay isa ito sa nagiging isyu po,” she added.

[Translation: We are implementing the law. They may be saying this because of our enforcement actions against POGOs, which should no longer operate here, and most of them involve Chinese nationals. So, this could be one of the issues]

She added that the Department of Foreign Affairs remains open to discussing the matter with its Chinese counterparts.