China tells citizens of unstable public security, harassment of Chinese in Philippines

China has issued a safety reminder to its citizens traveling to the Philippines, telling them to step up safety awareness and emergency preparedness amid what it called an "unstable public security situation" and alleged frequent harassment of Chinese individuals and businesses.

In the advisory posted on the Chinese Embassy's website in Manila, Chinese citizens already in the Philippines or about to travel to the country were told to:

• Keep a close watch on local security situations and step up safety awareness and emergency preparedness.
• Minimize non-essential outings and stay away from political gatherings or crowded venues.
• While complying with local laws and regulations, also remain vigilant against potential security traps and schemes.

"Considering the recent unstable public security situation in the Philippines and growingly frequent harassment of Chinese citizens and businesses, witnessing more frequent occurrence of political assemblies, protests and demonstrations nationwide, Chinese citizens and businesses in the Philippines are faced with higher security risks," the reminder said.

"Prospective travelers to the Philippines are advised to have thorough risk assessments and reconsider cautiously their travel plans," it added.

In the case of emergency, Chinese citizens are advised not to hesitate to reach out to the Chinese Embassy or their closest Consulates in the Philippines.

Contacts:

• Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline (24 hours) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 0086-10-12308 or 0086-10-65612308.
• Consular Protection and Assistance Hotlines of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the Philippines:
• Embassy in the Philippines: 0063-2-82311033
• Consulate-General in Cebu: 0063-32-3430008
• Consulate in Laoag: 0063-9178051226
• Consulate-General in Davao: 0063-9271304354

Malacañang said the Philippines was not targeting Chinese nationals in implementing the law, saying that the Philippines welcomes all nationalities.

''Ang kanilang mga travel advisory is just a normal consular function of China. At we can assure China na hindi na po tayo nagta-target ng particular nationality or particular national na para i-harass," Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a briefing.

(The travel advisory is just a normal consular function of China. We can assure China that we are not targeting any particular nationality or particular nation to harass.)

"Tandaan po natin, lahat po dito ay welcome, except po, of course kapag gumagawa po ng krimen. I-implement po natin kung ano po ang batas,'' she added.

(Let's remember that everyone here is welcome, except, of course, if there's a crime committed. We will implement the law.) –NB, GMA Integrated News