MANILA—The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday refuted China’s claim that public security in the country is “worsening,” citing a decline in crime rate during the first eight months of the year.

“Our crime situation in the Philippines is not worsening because based on our data, there is a 16.5 percent decrease [in crime rate],” PNP information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said in a press briefing.

From Jan. 1 to Aug. 28, 2025, the PNP recorded 22,519 focus crime incidents, lower than the 26,969 incidents tallied in the same period last year. Focus crimes include murder, homicide, rape, physical injury, carnapping of motorcycles and motor vehicles, and theft.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila, in a post on X on Sunday night, warned Chinese citizens in the Philippines to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and conduct risk assessments before visiting the country.

“Recently, public security in the Philippines has been worsening, with increasing crimes targeting Chinese nationals,” the Embassy said.

Tuaño said acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has instructed the Directorate for Intelligence to coordinate with the Chinese Embassy to determine the basis of its advisory.

“We will follow proper channels and procedures. We will get the exact details because the instruction of the chief PNP is not to make a guess of what they feel and instead, coordinate with them to know their sentiments,” he said.

PNP data also showed 21 kidnapping cases recorded from January to August involving Chinese nationals as both victims and perpetrators. (PNA)