Gibo shrugs off China entry ban

MANILA, Philippines — China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the safety and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens and institutions in the Philippines, the Chinese embassy in Manila said yesterday.

With the recent arrests of Chinese nationals, China reportedly banned Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his immediate family members from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macao; freezing assets he holds within China, including Hongkong and Macau.

Teodoro shrugged off the reported entry ban, saying he has no plans of visiting China. He said he has no assets in China.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Philippine law enforcement operations are not directed against any nationality.

Twenty-four Chinese nationals were arrested in Panabo City, Davao del Norte last month over alleged illegal employment and immigration violations.

Authorities raided a steel manufacturing plant in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental province on May 15 and arrested 69 Chinese nationals and one Filipino.