China’s call for fair treatment of its detained citizens in the Philippines has drawn a measured but firm response from Manila, with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) insisting that all law enforcement actions against foreign nationals are grounded in evidence and legal mandate.
“The Philippines respects the rights of all foreign nationals under Philippine law. Law enforcement actions are based on specific acts and evidence, and are not directed against any nationality,” the DFA said in a statement issued Thursday.
The department said Philippine law enforcement agencies were acting “pursuant to their respective mandates and in accordance with Philippine laws and regulations,” adding that it had coordinated with concerned agencies to ensure proper consular notification under the bilateral Philippines-China Consular Agreement.
Beijing had raised the issue a day earlier, with the Chinese Embassy in Manila expressing “serious concern” over what it called the “recent frequent apprehensions” of Chinese nationals by Philippine military and law enforcement authorities. Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said Beijing had lodged “solemn representations” with Philippine authorities following each incident.
The embassy invoked the Philippines-China Consular Agreement, which requires Philippine authorities to notify Chinese diplomatic missions within four days of any detention or arrest of a Chinese citizen. China also called on Philippine authorities to handle the cases “in a fair and just manner in accordance with law” and to ensure the “personal safety, legitimate rights and interests, and humane treatment” of those detained.
While acknowledging Philippine judicial sovereignty, the embassy stated that it “firmly oppose[s] selective and discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese nationals,” and warned that China “reserves the right to take further measures.” It also urged authorities to “refrain from abuse of law enforcement powers and political manipulation.”
The DFA said it would continue working with Philippine agencies and the Chinese Embassy “while respecting ongoing investigations and legal processes.”
The Chinese Embassy separately reminded its nationals in the Philippines to comply with local laws, engage only in lawful work and business, and avoid overstaying or conducting activities outside the scope of their visa status.
