The Department of National Defense responded to the Chinese Embassy after its spokesperson, Ji Lingpeng, questioned statements made by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro regarding the raid on a factory in Misamis Oriental producing substandard and hazardous chemical-laced steel.

The DND called the Chinese Embassy's latest statement a blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Philippines.

This came after the embassy accused Secretary Teodoro of allegedly distorting facts regarding the arrest of 69 Chinese workers at a steel factory raided in Misamis Oriental on May 15.

The Chinese Embassy also questioned why the Department of National Defense was involved in the law enforcement operation.

In its official statement, the DND stressed that it has no obligation to answer questions from any foreign government or embassy.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Benjamin Acorda Jr. earlier disclosed during a Senate hearing last week that the Chinese Embassy allegedly threatened to go after Filipinos in China if the Chinese nationals arrested in Misamis Oriental were not released.

In his statement, Chinese Embassy in the Philippines spokesperson Ji Lingpeng questioned why the Armed Forces of the Philippines was part of the operation conducted at Sanya Steel Corporation.

Ji asked why the Chinese workers were arrested while the Filipino workers at the same steel factory were released, and why the Chinese nationals have remained in detention for a long time.

But the DND said it is the Chinese Embassy itself that should explain its alleged support for those involved in illegal activities within Philippine sovereign territory.

The Defense Department also maintained that it will not stop enforcing the law and cracking down on violations, regardless of opposition, including from the Chinese Embassy.

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