Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. criticized reports of a Chinese immigration crackdown involving around 100 Filipino workers in China, stating the move is a form of extortion and blackmail.

In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed the Fiipinos were working and staying in the country illegally, RH Edniel Parrosa reported on Thursday, August 13. For Teodoro, the said action is seemingly in retaliation for the arrest of several Chinese nationals over several violations in the Philippines.

Among those was the discovery of the alleged illegal and substandard Phi-Sanjia Steel company in Misamis Oriental. Aside from lacking the necessary permits and reported contaminated materials, the facility was also located near a Philippine Navy base under development in Mindanao.

The Chinese Embassy had previously objected to the action, calling it “discrimination” against Chinese nationals. However, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) later proceeded with the closure of the plant due to the violations found.

Teodoro strongly condemned what he described as an attempt by Chinese officials to interfere in the Philippines’ law enforcement process. Additionally, he stressed that Filipino overseas workers do not have the capacity to commit widespread violations similar to those allegedly carried out by the Chinese nationals.