Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang said it respected China’s decision to issue a security advisory for its students in the country, but maintained that crime rates have significantly declined under the Marcos administration.
Reacting to China’s latest warning, which urges its students to “carefully assess safety risks” before studying in the Philippines, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro acknowledged that such advisories are within Beijing’s rights as a government.“Ang kanilang propaganda – or rather, advisory – sa kanilang mga kababayan ay karapatan naman po nila,” Castro said during a press briefing on Friday..[Translation: Their propaganda – rather, advisory – for their citizens is within their rights.] “Obligasyon din naman po nilang pangalagaan ang kanilang mga kababayan.”[Translation: It is also their obligation to protect their own people.] However, she said based on government data and efforts, public safety has steadily improved, crediting law enforcement reforms and the leadership of Philippine National Police Chief PGen Nicolas Torre.“Alam po natin na ang crime rates sa Pilipinas ay gumaganda at bumababa,” Castro said.[Translation: We know that crime rates in the Philippines are improving and decreasing.”] She also pointed to the significant reduction in extrajudicial killings previously associated with the anti-drug campaign, and the deportation of a number of Chinese nationals involved in crimes linked to offshore gaming operations.“Masasabi rin po natin na iyong mga krimen na nagawa dahil sa POGO (Philippine offshore gaming operation) ay nawala o nabawasan,” she said.[Translation: We can also say that crimes linked to POGOs have disappeared or gone down.]Castro said the country obtained a better ranking in the 2025 Global Peace Index, reinforcing the government’s claim of improving law and order situation.Despite the advisory, the Palace assured that all foreign nationals – Chinese or otherwise – will continue to receive protection under the law.“Kahit sino po, kahit anong nationality po iyan, lahat po iyan ay bibigyan ng proteksyon,” Castro said.[Translation: Whoever they are, regardless of nationality, everyone is given protection.]
