DFA assures China nationals are safe in PH

By: Matikas Santos - 10 years ago

DFA Assistant Secretary and spokesman Charles Jose. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has assured the Chinese Foreign Ministry of the safety of Chinese nationals in the Philippines despite reported threats.

“We would like to reiterate that the Department has reassured the Chinese Embassy of appropriate and necessary protection to guard against threats and prevent any violent incidents,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said in a statement Friday.

“We have also reassured them that the appropriate Philippine authorities are fully investigating the group associated with the three suspects of the NAIA Terminal 3 incident on September 1, 2014,” he said.

China published a security advisory on their Ministry of Foreign Affairs website Friday asking Chinese nationals not to travel to the Philippines because of threats.

“Given that the safety situation in the Philippines is deteriorating, the consular service of the foreign ministry is asking Chinese nationals not to travel to the Philippines for the time being,” the security advisory said.

A group had attempted to bomb NAIA Terminal 3 with incendiary devices. The airport was just one of their planned targets which include the Chinese Embassy, Chinese businesses, and a major mall.

The group reportedly was not satisfied with the government’s steps in the country’s maritime dispute in the South China Sea with China.