Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has slammed the Chinese Embassy in Manila for interfering in the Philippines’ internal affairs, particularly in the country’s law enforcement operations.
Teodoro described the embassy’s questioning of Philippine government agencies and law enforcement activities as an outright interference and an abuse of the country’s sovereignty, according to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa on DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas.
He said the Philippine government has no obligation to answer to the Chinese Embassy or any foreign power regarding its lawful operations within the country.
Instead, Teodoro said the Chinese Embassy should explain the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in illegal activities in the Philippines, including issues surrounding a steel plant in Misamis Oriental that authorities have described as substandard and hazardous.
The dispute comes after Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Benjamin Acorda Jr. disclosed that a Chinese Embassy official allegedly approached him and warned that Filipino workers in China could face retaliation.
Despite the alleged warning, both Teodoro and Acorda maintained that they would not be intimidated and would continue to support lawful operations against anyone who violates Philippine laws.
Watch the full report below.
