Amid concerns on the sudden influx of Chinese students in Cagayan, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is not because of what most of the Filipinos think.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the reason was that the Cagayan province actually opened its doors to foreign students as part of the move to boost the local economy.

“We were informed that these are all valid and that it has basis because there is an invitation by no less than the CHEd (Commission on Higher Education). The province, especially through CHEd, opened its doors for what they call internationalization wherein foreign students are welcomed in Cagayan for them to study in the province,” said Fajardo.

“This is part of the effort ng local government, part of their initiative to spike the economy, progress of Cagayan,” she added.

Espionage?

Netizens and some lawmakers have raised security concerns over the alleged sudden influx of Chinese students in Cagayan. What further raised the suspicions is that Cagayan is near the sites of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

EDCA is an agreement that the Philippines signed with the United States and allows access for American soldiers to military facilities.

Last year, President Marcos gave a go-signal to increase the number of EDCA sites from five to nine— two of the latest additions are the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo which are both in Cagayan province.

In a radio interview, Cagayan 3rd District Representative Joseph "Jojo" Lara said more than 4,500 Chinese are currently enrolled in one private university alone in Cagayan.

The increased presence of Chinese students was also reported in Cebu, where one of the five original EDCA sites is located: the Benito Ebuen Air Base.

Netizens and some lawmakers said that this sudden increase may put the Philippines in a bad situation in terms of security especially amid the issues in the West Philippine Sea. 

These reports have prompted the Armed Forces of the Philippines to issue a statement that it will monitor the increase in the number of students amid espionage concerns.

No problem

On the part of the PNP, Fajardo said there is no problem for as long as the foreigners would strictly observe the Philippine laws.

“Part of the PNP’s mandate is to enforce the law. If we would see any violation committed by these foreign nationals, including local residents in Cagayan and in other areas, we will enforce the law,” said Fajardo. 

 So far, Fajardo said they have not received any complaint relating to the foreign students staying in Cagayan.