MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) rejected the Chinese Embassy’s demand for answers from the agency, calling the statement an “interference” in Philippine internal affairs.

DND spokesperson Asec. Arsenio R. Andolong said the department is under no obligation to respond to questions raised by any foreign government or embassy.

“The latest statement from the Chinese Embassy is a blatant example of interference in Philippine internal affairs and a twisted abuse of the freedoms guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution,” Andolong said in a statement.

He said it was the Chinese Embassy that should answer questions over its alleged “coddling of illegal activities” within Philippine territory.

“Its evasiveness, crassness, and galling behavior are unacceptable to Filipinos,” he said.

Andolong stressed that no foreign government, including China, has the right to demand answers from the DND on matters within the Philippines’ sovereign jurisdiction.

“Walang karapatan ang sinumang dayuhang pamahalaan, lalo na ang Tsina, na humingi ng kasagutan mula sa DND. Ito ay lantarang panghihimasok sa mga panloob na usapin ng ating bansa,” he said.

The DND spokesperson vowed that the department would continue enforcing Philippine laws and addressing violations regardless of objections from foreign governments.

“Hindi kami titigil sa pagpapatupad ng batas ng Republika at pagsugpo sa mga paglabag dito, sinumang tututol o sumang-ayon man, kabilang ang Embahada ng Tsina,” Andolong said.

“Di kami pasisiil!” he added.