The Filipino Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (FCGCC) said that the public should avoid discrimination on the recent issue of the alleged influx of Chinese students in the town of Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

In a statement, the organization said there must be a proper venue for the issue among the concerned individuals, noting that unfounded accusations should be avoided.

“We advocate for fairness and non-discrimination in the treatment of all individuals, regardless of nationality. It is essential to address any issues or suspicions through proper channels, avoiding the spread of unfounded accusations or prejudice,” it said.

“We encourage constructive dialogue and cooperation between relevant stakeholders and firmly believe that student exchanges contribute to mutual understanding between our two countries, enhance the international influence of the Philippines, address local employment opportunities, and promote economic development,” it added.

It also hopes that the Philippines and China “will continue to resolve their differences through friendly dialogue and we have the utmost confidence in the future relationship between Philippines-China and are willing to continue contributing to the friendship between our two countries.”

The government has recently probed the alleged influx of Chinese students to determine if their presence poses a security threat.

“Our intelligence units have been assigned to take a look at the situation there (Cagayan) para alamin kung (to determine if) is this actually a national security threat, or is it just a case of students who want to go to the Philippines to study,” National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director Jonathan Malaya said.