Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Thursday hit back at the Chinese Embassy, saying its remarks on the government’s operation at a steel plant in Misamis Oriental showed “a clear disregard for diplomatic decorum and the sovereign laws of the Philippines.”</p><p>The PAOCC said that as diplomatic representatives hosted by Manila, it was inappropriate for the Chinese Embassy to “lecture” Philippine authorities on the conduct of lawful domestic operations.</p><p>The statement was issued after Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng <a href="https://www.facebook.com/100067197476372/posts/1376040731312496/?mibextid=wwXIfr&amp;rdid=q89BLs56yHiJRnl1#">questioned </a>why<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/5/16/69-chinese-nationals-found-illegally-working-in-steel-manufacturing-plant-1724"> dozens of Chinese workers at Sanjia Steel Corp.</a> were arrested while more than 300 Filipino employees were released.</p><p>Ji also questioned the involvement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the use of military aircraft in the operation, saying such a massive deployment was more appropriate for armed militants or terrorists than ordinary workers.</p><p>The PAOCC rejected the characterization of the operation as selective enforcement against Chinese nationals.</p><p>It said the Sanjia operation was an inter-agency law-enforcement operation, not an action against any nationality, with the AFP providing security and logistical support.</p><p>The agency stressed that the treatment of individuals was based on their respective circumstances and possible violations of Philippine immigration and labor laws—not their nationality.</p><p>“Arrest or investigation does not mean guilt, and no person, Filipino or foreign, is presumed guilty simply because of citizenship. Any determination on charges, detention, or release remains subject to the proper legal process,” the statement read.</p><p>The government has been investigating the Sanjia Steel facility over alleged violations of Philippine laws.</p><p>The PAOCC clarified that the investigation was not limited to the workers.</p><p>Should evidence establish liability on the part of the company’s owners, officers, managers or other responsible individuals, the agency said appropriate cases would be pursued.</p><p>The agency also challenged the Chinese Embassy to allow the same open public discussion of the issue on Chinese social media platforms so the Chinese public could be informed of the “full, transparent facts” surrounding the operation. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/17/-hypocrisy-dnd-claps-back-at-china-s-dismissal-of-workers-illegal-acts-in-ph-1709">‘Hypocrisy’: DND claps back at China’s dismissal of workers’ illegal acts in PH</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ngDOPChpQU?si=XhBodwvYjYxAEVHM" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Thursday hit back at the Chinese Embassy, saying its remarks on the government’s operation at a steel plant in Misamis Oriental showed “a clear disregard for diplomatic decorum and the sovereign laws of the Philippines.”</p>

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Thursday hit back at the Chinese Embassy, saying its remarks on the government’s operation at a steel plant in Misamis Oriental showed “a clear disregard for diplomatic decorum and the sovereign laws of the Philippines.”

PAOCC hits Chinese Embassy for ‘disregard’ of Philippine laws over Sanjia operation

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PAOCC hits Chinese Embassy for ‘disregard’ of Philippine laws over Sanjia operation

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 20, 2026 02:25 PM PHT

Read More:

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Sanjia steel

Chinese embassy

operation

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