The Philippine National Police (PNP) reaffirmed that the country is "peaceful" and "quiet," contradicting the advisory released by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, which urged its citizens to exercise caution during their stay in the country.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame on Thursday, Public Information Office Chief PCol. Randulf Tuaño stated that the assessment from the Directorate for Intelligence contradicted the Embassy's statement that public security in the archipelago is 'unstable.'
The PNP official further rejected the claims that Chinese nationals and establishments are frequently targeted by authorities.
Instead, he noted that the PNP's mandate is to protect those within the country, regardless of their nationality.
However, Tuaño clarified that the PNP acknowledges and respects the advisory issued recently.
"Naiintindihan natin ang mga advisory na inilalabas ng mga iba’t ibang bansa kaugnay sa kanilang mga citizens," said Tuaño.
"Iginagalang po natin ang kanilang mga panawagan. Ang sinasabi lang po natin, ang PNP po ay mandated to serve and protect," he added.
In an earlier statement, Malacañang affirmed that law enforcement does not target Chinese nationals, and that individuals of all nationalities are welcomed in the country.
Meanwhile, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. alerted the military and underscored that the Philippines is in the midst of a "war," citing the cyber and political warfare allegedly orchestrated by China's United Front Works.
