Photo: Screenshot of the statement released by Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on August 8, 2025

When asked to comment on media reports that the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director recently disbanded the Special Task Force (STF) over misconduct and launched an internal probe, following the STF’s irregularities they allegedly committed during an operation in Malolos City, Bulacan on July 14, where nine Chinese nationals were detained, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said on Friday that the Embassy took the matter seriously upon learning of the detention. Embassy staff were promptly dispatched to conduct consular visits to the detained individuals, investigate the circumstances, and urge the Philippine side to handle the case fairly and in accordance with the law. 

The Embassy also requested timely updates and called for the protection of the Chinese nationals’ safety and legal rights. At the same time, given that several underage Chinese nationals have fallen into difficult living conditions due to their parents being detained, the Embassy has sent personnel to visit and continuously provide assistance. Currently, nine detained Chinese nationals have regained their freedom, according to the Chinese Embassy.

The legal proceedings of this case have not yet concluded, and the Philippine law enforcement authorities publicly acknowledged that the enforcement action violated the rules. The Embassy has made further representations to the Philippine side, urging them to take effective measures to promptly and properly resolve this case, and to return the seized documents and belongings. Additionally, we demand that the Philippine side conduct a serious investigation, clarify the truth of the incident in a timely manner, disclose the progress, provide justice to the parties involved, and stop arbitrary abuse of power in law enforcement to prevent similar incidents from occurring again, and create a safe, fair, and non-discriminatory living and working environment for Chinese nationals in the Philippines, said the spokesperson.

Global Times