The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday dismissed allegations that local authorities are unfairly targeting Chinese citizens, asserting that all state crackdowns are strictly evidence-based and aligned with domestic laws.
The diplomatic dispute flared up after the Chinese Embassy in Manila lodged a formal protest, accusing Philippine military and police units of discrimination following the mass arrest of 69 Chinese workers in Misamis Oriental.
“Philippine law enforcement agencies act pursuant to their respective mandates and in accordance with Philippine laws and regulations,” the DFA countered in an official statement. “Law enforcement actions are based on specific acts and evidence, and are not directed against any nationality.”
The foreign nationals were rounded up during a May 15 raid on a steel fabrication plant operated by the Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation. Authorities carried out the operation over allegations that the facility was running without required business permits and subjected its staff to hazardous working conditions. While Chinese officials insisted that the laborers held legitimate working visas, security agencies flag-raised the plant’s strategic location due to its close proximity to a Philippine Navy dockyard.
The manufacturing site, which started operations in 2018, is also reportedly tied to Tony Yang—an offshore gaming operator and brother of Michael Yang, who served as an economic adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Chinese Embassy on Wednesday pressured Manila to expedite the release of its citizens if no legal infractions are established, while also demanding humane treatment for the detainees.
Beijing further reminded the Philippines of a bilateral consular treaty mandating that the embassy be formally informed within four days of any arrest involving Chinese citizens.
The DFA, however, clarified that it had already fulfilled its obligations regarding “appropriate consular notification under the Philippines-China Consular Agreement.”
The department concluded that it remains committed to liaising with domestic enforcement bodies and Chinese diplomats, while strictly maintaining deference to ongoing legal proceedings.