MANILA – The Philippines has assured Beijing that it can protect its citizens in the country following a foiled bombing at the Chinese Embassy in Manila by a small group of disgruntled Filipinos.
China has warned its citizens not to travel to the Philippines and said it was worried because of plots by criminal groups planning to attack the Embassy, Chinese companies and public venues such as shopping malls.
“The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) has already reached out to the side of China to reiterate our commitment that their citizens will be protected here in the Philippines just like any visitor who comes to our shores,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
The Philippine-China relation has engagements on several different levels and these tie up has been continuing, according to Valte.
“Siyempre, gusto nating i-assure ang ating mga kaibigan na kapag bumisita sila rito sa Pilipinas, bilang ating mga bisita, at ayon na rin sa kultura at tradisyon nating mga Pilipino, ay gagawin natin ang ating makakaya para naman maging maganda ang kanilang pagbisita rito,” she said.
Both countries are also locked in a bitter word war after China occupied several islands in the contested Spratly Islands.
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