AFP investigating influx of Chinese students in Cagayan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is investigating the reported increase of Chinese students in Cagayan, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla has said.

In a Bagong Pilipinas interview, Padilla said the AFP wanted to know the purpose of Chinese students in the province which is close to Taiwan. 

“Meron tayo d’yan how they got in the Philippines in the first place, ‘yung legality ng pagpasok nila dito sa bansa natin. Do they have the necessary papers? Sabi nga, estudyante ‘to, si meron ba silang student visa that are required,” Padilla said. 

(We want to know how they got to the Philippines in the first place, the legality of their entry into our country, and if they have the necessary documents such as a student visa.) 

She said that the AFP is also seeking the help of the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Philippine National Police. 

In seeking a House inquiry into the matter, Cagayan Rep. Joseph “Jojo” Lara earlier said he received reports from his constituents that there are at least 4,600 Chinese students in one private university alone, and that they have been spotted in public places wearing student IDs.

The congressman said he also received information that Chinese students come to Cagayan for P1 million, with 80% of the amount going to an “agent” and the remaining 20% to the school.

“We just want to know why. We are not against having foreign students, but what we fear is we have an issue with China. If there are 4,600 Chinese students in one private university and the private university even admits it, it is very alarming,” Lara said. 

Asked if the situation should cause an alarm for the AFP, Padilla said “it depends.”

She said looking at every possible angle as to why there is an influx of Chinese students in Cagayan. 

“It depends on what could be alarming to that effect. If we look at it from a security standpoint, what will come out of our internal investigation, kung threat be talaga ito [if this is really a threat]. There’s different facets to it,” she added. 

The PNP had said that the presence of Chinese students in Cagayan was valid and with basis and that they had been invited by CHED. 

The PNP also said that, so far, the provincial police have not monitored any complaints involving Chinese nationals.