China: No Chinese drug rings in PH

The Chinese government is unaware of any Chinese drug rings such as the Bamboo Triad currently operating in the Philippines as claimed by President Duterte, Ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua said.

Zhao assured China will not protect their nationals who will be caught committing crimes in the country.

“We do not know much the syndicates or the drug rings that are operating in the Philippines,” Zhao told reporters in an interview at the sidelines of the reception celebrating the 68th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China at a hotel in Makati City.

“China will not protect its nationals who have committed crimes in the Philippines. They need to be punished in accordance with the Filipino law.”

Duterte in a speech said both the Bamboo and 14K Triads are supplying illegal drugs being peddled in the Philippines.

“Itong drugs ngayon, it’s been operated by the 14K, Bamboo Triad. They have taken over. They are cooking the shabu on the high seas. Tapos itatapon. Nakita mo sa Region 1, mga bins na empty na may Chinese character. It’s actually from Taiwan at lahat na,” Duterte said.

Zhao said that while China is not aware of any Chinese drug rings operating in the country, Beijing fully supports Duterte’s earlier remarks that “there are really some bad Chinese who are doing illegal drugs.”

He assured the Philippines that China will continue to support its campaign against illegal drugs.

“Both China and the Philippines and the international community are faced with this drug problem. Illicit drugs and drug-related criminal acts are our common enemies. We need to work together to fight against it,” the Chinese envoy said.