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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA: Law enforcement actions against Chinese nationals not based on nationality

DFA: Law enforcement actions against Chinese nationals not based on nationality

Published May 28, 2026 02:28 pm

At A Glance

  • The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Philippine law enforcement agencies are acting within their legal mandates and following Philippine laws
  • China expressed concern over the increasing apprehension of Chinese nationals in the Philippines and urged fair treatment and prompt consular notification
  • The DFA emphasized that investigations are based on evidence and specific acts, not on nationality, while coordination with Chinese authorities continues
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Philippine authorities are enforcing laws based on evidence and legal procedures following concerns raised by China over the recent apprehensions of Chinese nationals in the Philippines. (DFA photo)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Philippine authorities are enforcing laws based on evidence and legal procedures following concerns raised by China over the recent apprehensions of Chinese nationals in the Philippines. (DFA photo)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, May 28, said Philippine law enforcement operations involving Chinese nationals are being conducted in accordance with Philippine laws and are not targeted against any nationality.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said the DFA “takes note” of the concerns raised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China regarding the recent apprehensions of Chinese citizens by Philippine authorities.
“The Philippines respects the rights of all foreign nationals under Philippine law,” the DFA said. “Law enforcement actions are based on specific acts and evidence and are not directed against any nationality,” the department added.
The DFA also noted that Philippine law enforcement agencies are acting within their respective mandates and that proper consular notification procedures under the Philippines-China Consular Agreement are being observed.
“Philippine law enforcement agencies act pursuant to their respective mandates and in accordance with Philippine laws and regulations,” the DFA said. “The Department has coordinated with concerned agencies to ensure appropriate consular notification under the Philippines-China Consular Agreement,” the department added.
According to the DFA, concerned Philippine agencies have been coordinating with Chinese diplomatic officials while ongoing investigations and legal processes continue.
“The Department will continue to coordinate with relevant Philippine agencies and the Chinese Embassy, as appropriate, while respecting ongoing investigations and legal processes,” the DFA said.
The statement came a day after the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines released a statement expressing “serious concern” over what it described as the frequent apprehension of Chinese nationals by Philippine military and law enforcement authorities.
Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said Chinese diplomatic missions in the Philippines have filed formal representations following each reported incident and urged Philippine authorities to comply with the bilateral consular agreement by informing Chinese officials within four days whenever a Chinese national is detained or arrested.
The Chinese Embassy also called on the Philippine government to ensure fair treatment, humane detention conditions, and protection of the legal rights of Chinese nationals involved in investigations.
“It must be stressed that China fully respects the Philippines’ judicial sovereignty and its efforts to handle cases in accordance with law,” the Embassy said. “However, we firmly oppose selective and discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese nationals,” it added.
The Embassy also voiced opposition to what it called “selective and discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese nationals,” warning against possible political manipulation and actions that could affect bilateral relations and economic exchanges between the two countries.
China likewise reminded its citizens in the Philippines to obey local laws, engage only in lawful employment and business activities, and avoid overstaying or violating visa conditions. 

Related Tags

DFA Chinese nationals in Philippines Philippine law enforcement China-Philippines relations Chinese Embassy Philippines
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