Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. accuses China of extortion and blackmail after Beijing announced it “took action” against more than 100 Filipinos in China, according to multiple reports.
Teodoro says the treatment of the group amounts to “plain and simple extortion and blackmail,” adding that China’s moves also interfere with the Philippines’ law enforcement processes. The accusation is linked to a broader dispute involving the treatment of Chinese nationals facing law enforcement action in the Philippines.
Both outlets report that Teodoro’s remarks follow comments from a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, who states that Chinese immigration authorities have taken action against the Filipinos. The coverage focuses on the Philippine defense chief’s condemnation, while China’s stated rationale is presented mainly through the foreign ministry’s prior remarks.
