Despite the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Filipinos don’t resort to Sinophobia and in fact, they treat Chinese tourists “well,” according to an official of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, made the remark on Wednesday, April 2, in response to a travel warning issued to Chinese nationals by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines.
“Wala pa naman tayong nabalitaan so far na masasabi nating naging ano na tayo… ‘yung argument nila lagi na what we’re doing can result to Sinophobia. Wala naman tayong Chinese national na masasabing inaway ng ordinaryong Pilipino dahil sa West Philippine Sea (We have not heard of anything so far that what we’re doing can result to Sinophobia. We have not heard of any Chinese national who was discriminated by an ordinary Filipino because of the West Philippine Sea),” he said in a forum in Manila.
As far as Tarriela is concerned, Filipinos are aware of the Chinese government’s “illegal and aggressive” actions against Philippine vessels, aircraft, and fishermen in the WPS.
In fact, Tarriela said a Chinese research vessel identified as "Song Hang" was spotted 58 nautical miles east of Aborlan, Palawan at 8 a.m. Wednesday. He said a PCG aircraft was deployed to challenge the research vessel.
“But we don’t direct it to the [Chinese] nationals. Para sa akin ang mga Pilipino ay maayos naman makitungo sa nationals ng People’s Republic of China (For me, Filipinos treat the nationals of People’s Republic of China well). We don’t blame the illegal and aggressive actions of their government [on] their own people,” he added.
On Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines reminded its citizens in the Philippines and those traveling to the country to “strengthen their security precautions.”
“In recent times, public security in the Philippines has been unstable. Philippine law enforcement agencies have frequently interrogated and harassed Chinese citizens and businesses,” the embassy said.
It also cited the political rallies, marches, and demonstrations held in recent weeks due to the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte as a contributor to heightened security risks faced by Chinese citizens and institutions.
As a result, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Embassy, and Consulate General in the Philippines reminded Chinese citizens in the Philippines to “pay close attention to the local social security situation, strengthen security precautions and emergency preparedness; reduce unnecessary outings, stay away from political gatherings and crowded places; abide by local laws and regulations, and beware of falling into security traps and snares.”
“It is recommended that those who intend to travel to the Philippines conduct risk assessments and make prudent travel decisions,” it added.
Taiwan invasion?
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) allayed public fears that those living in Northern Luzon would likely be affected by an impending invasion of Taiwan by China.
AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. directed troops of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) on Tuesday, April 1, to prepare its response capabilities if China decides to invade Taiwan.
“We do not want to sow panic among our citizens,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla explained. “It is but a reminder that if any eventuality might occur in their area, they should be ready.”
US officials were speculating that China is preparing to invade Taiwan, which it considers a renegade province, by 2027 in an attempt to reunite the self-ruled island with the mainland.
Brawner said the Nolcom should prepare contingencies to evacuate about 250,000 Filipinos in Taiwan if the supposed invasion is to occur.
The military chief made the remark during the anniversary of the Nolcom, and days after the visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Manila last week.
But Padilla said there is nothing extraordinary with Brawner’s directive to the troops as it is the mandate of the military to prepare for any eventuality to protect its citizens.
“We are on a defensive posture. While we remain ready for any situation that might arise, our primary objective is to maintain peace in the country, enhance our strength, and obey our laws in adherence to the interests of our country,” she noted.