China working with Philippine agencies in probe of 2 nabbed Chinese

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines is coordinating with Philippine enforcement agencies as regards the two Chinese recently arrested in Pasig City for illegal possession of firearms.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian also belied allegations that  China has placed clandestine forces in the Philippines and that the suspects were among the sleeper cells deployed in the country.

“The Chinese Embassy is working with the Philippine law enforcement authorities to investigate the said case to jointly combat transnational criminal activities,” Huang said.

Huang said China condemned the remarks which he said vilified "the performance of normal duties and exchanges of Chinese institutions and personnel." 

“We strongly oppose and condemn such baseless allegations and malicious spreading of disinformation,” Huang said.

The National Bureau of Investigation nabbed the Chinese suspects and seized high-powered weapons including an assault rifle, and a 40-caliber gun. Ammunition was also seized.

Also recovered from the Chinese nationals were patches embroidered with the words Sniper Team, Assault Team, Blasting Team, and Machine Gun Team, which were found to be accessories of an airsoft uniform.

NBI regional director Rommel Vallejo denied that they were part of a destabilization plot.

Huang said China adhered to the “principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.”

He said the country was dedicated to settling differences through dialogue.

“The irresponsible words and deeds of the relevant Filipino individuals run counter to the consensus of our two heads of state that maritime differences should be put in a proper place and well managed through dialogue and consultation, thus creating disruption to the diplomatic efforts,” Huang said.

“It is hoped that the Philippine side will work in the same direction with China and follow through on the consensus between the two heads of state so as to jointly safeguard our bilateral relations and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea,” he added.

The Philippines and China have overlapping claims in the West Philippine Sea but the arbitral tribunal in the Hague upheld in 2016 the Philippines' 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

The ruling nullified China's massive historical claims in the area.

Beijing has since rejected the arbitral award. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News