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Defense Secretary Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro Jr. (Courtesy: Department of National Defense)
Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Saturday accused the Chinese Foreign Ministry of evading key issues surrounding the alleged illegal activities of Chinese nationals in the Philippines and the reported intervention of Chinese embassy officials in local law enforcement proceedings.
In a statement, Teodoro said the first issue that needs to be addressed is whether the individuals involved had engaged in illegal activities.
“The plain and simple answer is yes,” Teodoro said, citing alleged practices involving what he described as the regurgitation of substandard, radioactively tainted steel and the dumping of untreated polluted water into rivers, as well as the release of untreated toxic fumes.
He said the allegations are supported by evidence gathered by Philippine law enforcement authorities through valid search warrants issued by Philippine courts.
Previously, authorities ordered the closure of Sanjia Steel Corp. in Misamis Oriental after Chuangxing Steel in Pampanga, which was allegedly run by Chinese nationals.
Teodoro also raised the issue of alleged intervention by Chinese embassy officials in local law enforcement processes.
He said the answer was also affirmative, citing revelations made during a Senate hearing, including alleged threats of retaliation against Filipinos.
Teodoro described the latest statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry against him as a “classic squid tactic,” which he characterized as disinformation through avoidance of the central issues.
He also criticized China’s warning that those involved would “bear the brunt,” saying such a statement amounted to a threat of retaliation against Filipinos.
“Threatening that they will ‘bear the brunt’ is an indiscriminate threat to retaliate against all Filipinos, which is, plain and simple, extortion and blackmail beyond doubt!” Teodoro said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Friday that foreign nationals in their country should abide by local laws and regulations when asked about Teodoro’s latest remarks, saying their actions do not target any specific country.
“China’s immigration authorities perform their duty in accordance with the law and protect the lawful rights and interests of the personnel concerned. The actions do not target any specific country,” Guo said.
“This person’s consistent attacks and smears against China harm not only bilateral relations. It is the interests of the Philippines and all its people that will bear the brunt,” Guo added, referring to Teodoro.
— Rex Espiritu & Katrina Manubay
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