Philippines National Police (PNP) plays down recent Chinese travel advisory issued against the Philippines

In a recent development, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory, urging Chinese citizens to exercise increased caution and avoid "areas of chaos" in the Philippines due to a worsening security situation and an increase in crime incidents targeting Chinese nationals.

According to the advisory, since January, 21 crime incidents involving Chinese nationals, both as victims and suspects, have been recorded in the Philippines. However, no specific high-risk areas were mentioned in the travel advisory.

In response to this advisory, the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines issued a statement, with spokesperson Angelica Escalona accusing China of "mischaracterizing the situation" in the Philippines regarding crime incidents involving Chinese nationals. Escalona further stated that instances of crimes reported or known to law enforcement authorities, including those perpetrated by Chinese nationals against their compatriots, are being vigorously addressed by relevant law enforcement authorities in the Philippines.

At a press conference on September 1, 2025, the PNP Public Information Office chief, Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, spoke about the country's crime situation. Tuaño stated that the country's crime situation is not worsening, as the number of cases dropped from 26,969 in 2024 to 22,519 in 2025, a decrease of 16.5 percent.

In response to the travel advisory, PNP acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the PNP Directorate for Intelligence (DI) to coordinate with the Chinese Embassy in Manila regarding the travel advisory. The Chinese Embassy in Manila, in turn, announced a warning against the Philippine travel advisory, and the Philippine National Police responded by stating they would investigate and take necessary actions to ensure public order and safety.

The Philippine government has been engaging with relevant stakeholders on the crime cases involving Chinese nationals, according to Escalona. However, she did not specify which instances of crimes she was referring to in her statement.

In conclusion, while the travel advisory from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised concerns, the Philippine authorities have reassured the public that they are taking the necessary steps to address any issues related to crime incidents involving Chinese nationals and to maintain public order and safety.