Sep 192014
 
CHENGDU CITY, China – Eighteen Chinese citizens have died so far this year in separate incidents in the Philippines. A Chinese official said the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Manila is alarmed by the development.

The embassy has stepped up coordination with the Philippine National Police and local anti-crime advocates.

In an interview with reporters in Chengdu, the Chinse foreign ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said at least four of the Chinese citizens died in accidents while the 14 others were killed in separate kidnapping and murder incidents.

“The Philippine government declared that it is safer in the Philippines, but we cannot feel it…In the past years, only 6 to 7 deaths average per year was recorded, but this year, it’s not even the end yet, it’s already 18,” he said.

He added that they have also received reports of an alleged plan to attack the Chinese Embassy in Manila by a self-proclaimed anti-China group.

“There was even someone who wanted to attack the embassy. They wanted to bomb the embassy,” he said. “So, it is our obligation to remind the Chinese to keep safe.”

The official said the Chinese government has coordinated with local police and the Philippine National Police, and anti-crime advocate Teresita Ang-See, adding that no suspect has been arrested in connection to recent crimes against Chinese nationals.

Chinese tourists going to popular locations in the Philippines has also been a growing coordination concern with Philippine authorities.

“For tourism, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, El Nido,” said the Chinese official.

The Philippine government is expected to open a Consulate General in the capital city of Sichuan province in China within the next three years as more Chinese nationals want to visit the Philippines. — ELR, GMA News

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