PNP dismisses China’s warning, says PH crimes not worsening

The Philippine National Police on Monday dismissed the warning of the Chinese government over the supposed worsening crimes targeting its citizens in Manila.

“Hindi po lumalala ang ating crime situation dito sa Pilipinas,” PNP public information office (PIO) chief Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said in a press briefing.

(Our crime situation is not getting worse here in the Philippines.)

Tuaño pointed out that the crime incidents have declined from 26,969 in January-August 2024 to 22,519 in the same period this year. He said the police have monitored 21 incidents of kidnapping involving Chinese nationals this year so far.

“Kung crime rate ang pag-uusapan natin, bumaba tayo from 26,969 to 22,519 or 16.50% o bumaba siya ng 4,450,” he said.

(If we are talking about the crime rate, it has gone down from 26,969 to 22,519 or by 16.50% or 4,450.)

“Kung ang pag-uusapan naman natin ay crimes versus Chinese, ang nakikita naman natin, kung kidnapping ang pag-uusapan, mayroon tayong 21 incidents. Itong 21 incidents ay Chinese versus Chinese,” he added.

(If we are talking about crimes versus Chinese, what we see, if we are talking about kidnapping, we have 21 incidents. These 21 incidents are Chinese versus Chinese.)

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila posted a screenshot of a statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Recently, public security in the Philippines has been worsening, with increasing crimes targeting Chinese nationals,” the Chinese foreign ministry said.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the Philippines remind fellow Chinese nationals there to closely monitor local security, exercise increased caution, strengthen self-protection measures, avoid high-risk areas, and ensure personal and property safety, while also advising those intending to visit the country to conduct careful risk assessments before planning trips,” it added.

Tuaño said PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed the police organization’s director for intelligence to visit the Chinese embassy to discuss the matter.

“Sinasabi ni Chief, huwag natin hulaan kung ano ang eksaktong hinaing nila. Pupunta ang director for intelligence upang alamin ang eksaktong detalye ng kanilang publication,” he said.

(Chief says let's not guess what exactly they are referring to. The director for intelligence will go to find out the exact details of their publication.)

On Monday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said China's latest travel warning "mischaracterizes the situation" in the country.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said "instances of crimes reported or known to law enforcement authorities, including those perpetrated by Chinese nationals against their compatriots, are being vigorously addressed by relevant law enforcement authorities."  —AOL, GMA Integrated News