Palace assures China: We can protect your citizens

Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte. Screenshot of PCCO EDP press briefing video.

MANILA — Malacanang assured the Chinese government that the Philippine government can protect its citizens whenever they travel to the country.

China warned its citizens on Friday not to travel to the Philippines after a Chinese teenager who worked in a family-run store was kidnapped.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also said it was worried because of plots by criminal groups planning to attack the Chinese Embassy, Chinese companies and public venues such as shopping malls.

“The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) has already reached out to the side of China to reiterate our commitment that their citizens will be protected here in the Philippines just like any visitor who comes to our shores,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

Asked if she thinks the issue will strain further the relations between the Philippines and China, Valte said the Philippine-China relation is multi-faceted.

“Marami namang mukha ang ating pagkakaibigan sa bansang Tsina at hindi lang naman ‘yung isyu natin sa West Philippine Sea ang nangingibabaw sa ating pagkakaibigan,” Valte said

The Philippine-China relation has engagements on several different levels and these tie up has been continuing, according to Valte.

“Siyempre, gusto nating i-assure ang ating mga kaibigan na kapag bumisita sila rito sa Pilipinas, bilang ating mga bisita, at ayon na rin sa kultura at tradisyon nating mga Pilipino, ay gagawin natin ang ating makakaya para naman maging maganda ang kanilang pagbisita rito,” she said.