Palace soothes Beijing’s paranoia

Malacañang recognized the Chinese government's right to issue security advisories in order to protect its citizens.

In a statement on Friday, China’s Ministry of Education warned its nationals, particularly Chinese students, of an “unstable security situation”  in the Philippines.  

The ministry “urged students to assess security risks of studying in the Philippines and raise their awareness of precautions.”

It also cited the “Philippines' recent deteriorating public security situation and increasing criminal activities against Chinese citizens as the reason for the alert.”

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary acknowledged China's right to issue such advisories but maintained that the overall crime situation in the Philippines is improving.

“Obligasyon din naman po nilang pangalagaan ang kanilang mga kababayan, pero as far as the government is concerned alam po natin na ang crime rates sa Pilipinas ay gumaganda at bumababa (They are obligated to protect their nationals, but as far as the government is concerned, we know that crime rates in the Philippines are improving and decreasing),” Castro told reporters in a press briefing at the Palace.

Castro credited President Marcos Jr.’s directive for improved law enforcement. He also mentioned the efforts of Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III for making police response “more efficient.”

She also emphasized that extrajudicial killings associated with the previous war on drugs have significantly declined.

“We’ve also seen a reduction in crimes linked to POGO operations, with many Chinese nationals involved in such activities already deported,” Castro added.

She also highlighted the Philippines’ improved standing in the 2025 Global Peace Index as evidence of the country’s progress in ensuring safety and order.

“So, kung sa pananaw po ng China ay ganoon, hindi naman po natin ito hahadlangan, dahil karapatan po nila iyan (If China sees it differently, we won’t interfere with that. It’s their right to issue such advisories),” she noted.

When asked whether the government can assure Chinese nationals of their safety in the Philippines, Castro emphasized that protection is afforded to all individuals, regardless of nationality.

“Kahit sino po, kahit hindi po Chinese, kahit sino pong tao, Filipino, kahit anong nationality po iyan, lahat po iyan ay bibigyan ng proteksyon (Whether Chinese or not, Filipino or of any nationality, the government will provide protection to everyone),” Castro assured.