Palace downplays China's study abroad alert
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Marcos administration remains committed to maintaining peace and order.
'As far as the government is concerned, we know that crime rates in the Philippines are improving and declining. This is due to the directive of the President,' Castro said on Friday.
The statement came after China's Ministry of Education cautioned Chinese students planning to study in the Philippines, claiming the country has been in a 'state of insecurity' with reported crimes involving Chinese nationals. The ministry urged students to assess risks carefully and remain vigilant.
While the Palace respects China's prerogative to issue travel advisories, Castro said the Philippines continues to be a safe destination for foreigners.
She also cited the country's improved ranking in the 2025 Global Peace Index, where the Philippines moved up six notches to 105th out of 163 countries.
Castro emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all nationals in the country, regardless of citizenship.
She also clarified that the Chinese nationals who were recently deported had been involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
'Whether Filipino or foreigner, regardless of nationality, everyone is guaranteed protection,' she said, adding that recent deportations of Chinese nationals involved individuals engaged in illegal offshore gaming activities.
In April, the Palace also denied claims of harassment against foreigners in the Philippines, following a similar travel warning from Beijing.
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