Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Marilyn Cahatol

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The Department of National Defense on Monday clapped back at the Chinese Embassy’s “apparent hypocrisy” in dismissing the agency’s demand for answers regarding the Chinese workers arrested at a steel plant in Misamis Oriental in May.</p><p>The defense department and the Chinese Embassy have been exchanging statements regarding the Philippine government&#x27;s questions about the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/5/16/69-chinese-nationals-found-illegally-working-in-steel-manufacturing-plant-1724">69 Chinese workers arrested</a>, alongside one Filipino, at a steel manufacturing plant in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, over allegedly handling potentially harmful or noxious materials.</p><p>The Chinese Embassy has claimed that the Philippine government “failed to provide any substantive response to the issues at hand,” and that it presents “inflammatory language” and “political rhetoric” instead of facts. </p><p>The DND, in response, said that the Chinese Embassy’s attempts to “dismiss legitimate national security concerns” do not erase the Philippine law enforcement&#x27;s operations against the Chinese nationals’ supposed illegal activities in the country. </p><p>“The Filipino people demand unequivocal answers, not evasive questions and concocted narratives that are clearly intended to mislead the general public and misdirect their attention away from the core issues at hand,” DND said. </p><p>“We decry this apparent hypocrisy of abusing the freedom of speech in our country while there is censorship of the same in China,” it added. </p><p>The embassy has accused Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. of &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/16/chinese-embassy-accuses-teodoro-of-distorting-facts-in-sanjia-steel-case-0752">distorting facts</a>&quot; in the case.</p><p>Teodoro earlier said that aside from the Chinese workers’ illegal activities, officials from the Chinese Embassy had also actively intervened in local law enforcement processes. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/egYrUSMp-3A?si=9nnhUOY3EQetuDtx" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The Department of National Defense on Monday clapped back at the Chinese Embassy’s “apparent hypocrisy” in dismissing the agency’s demand for answers regarding the Chinese workers arrested in a steel plant in Misamis Oriental in May.</p>

The Department of National Defense on Monday clapped back at the Chinese Embassy’s “apparent hypocrisy” in dismissing the agency’s demand for answers regarding the Chinese workers arrested in a steel plant in Misamis Oriental in May.

‘Hypocrisy’: DND claps back at China’s dismissal of workers’ illegal acts in PH

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

‘Hypocrisy’: DND claps back at China’s dismissal of workers’ illegal acts in PH

Marilyn Cahatol,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 17, 2026 05:09 PM PHT

Read More:

Chinese Embassy

Department of National Defense

arrested Chinese nationals

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.