MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte urged China’s cooperation in addressing the crimes committed against its citizens – workers or tourists – while in the country.
During a business forum in Beijing, Duterte pointed Chinese nationals who were kidnapped by loan sharks preying on gamblers.
“Once they lose heavily, there are financials mostly Chinese that would lend you the money. But after that, they would ask for your repayment and if it cannot be repaid at once, they kidnap and sometimes they kill Chinese nationals,” Duterte said.
“Since there are laws to be followed, I have asked your government to help us on this,” he added.
Duterte issued a warning against Chinese nationals attempting to enter the country and engage in the illegal drug trade and other criminal activities.
“For those who are into drugs, crimes, I am just asking them: Please avoid the Philippines because if you destroy my country with drugs, cocaine and everything, I will kill you. Period,” Duterte said.
“But if you are a law-abiding citizen, if you are a businessman and you are thriving, rich, do not worry we will protect you. We will protect your money. And when the time comes you want to go out, you can bring all your money outside of the Philippines,” he added.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila recently said dozens of Chinese citizens who gamble or work illegally in the Philippines were kidnapped.
It lamented a large number of Chinese citizens illegally recruited and hired for the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators./PN
