The Manila Times reported on its front page that the Philippine National Police (PNP) downplayed China's safety advisory to its citizens, which stated that the country's crime situation is deteriorating.
BN. Randulf Tuaño, the PNP's Public Information Officer, said that the number of crime incidents had actually decreased, from 26,969 cases between January and August 2024 to 22,519 cases during the same period in 2025.
Tuaño said this meant a decrease of 16.15%, or 4,450 fewer reported criminal cases.
"The crime rate in the Philippines has not worsened," he said, assuring the public that the peace and order situation is still under control.
Tuaño said that recent events might have prompted the Chinese embassy to issue the statement, particularly 21 kidnapping cases involving Chinese citizens between July and August of this year.
It was reported that these incidents involved Chinese people harming their fellow Chinese.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Chinese embassy said that "the public security in the Philippines has been deteriorating," citing an increase in crimes against Chinese nationals.
Beijing urged Chinese citizens in the country to be cautious before planning to travel to the Philippines, avoid high-risk areas, and assess the security risks.
Tuaño said that Colonel Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the acting director of the Philippine Police, has ordered the force to coordinate with the Chinese embassy to determine the basis for Beijing's crime alert.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs stated that China's advice is an unfair and inaccurate description of the Philippines' security situation.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842100570028032/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.