DFA says no to cause deeper issue with China

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured that it was an “isolated plot” by “misguided elements”, assuring the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines after an alleged plot to attack the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) and Chinese establishments has blocked by the authorities.

“We believe these arrested people are misguided elements of an isolated plot. We are not concerned that this will [become a deeper problem with China],” DFA spokesman Charles Jose told reporters Tuesday.

The authority confiscated improvised incendiary devices from the four men arrested at the Naia Terminal 3 and admitted in an interrogation that the intent of the planned attack was to send a message reminding the country to heighten the stance in the territorial rift with China.

The subjects of the planned attacks were Naia Terminal 3, SM Mall of Asia, the main office of DMCI in Makati City, and the Chinese Embassy.

“Our purpose is only to make a wake-up call to the government about its soft stand against China and not to hurt people,” Guerrero had reportedly said during interrogation.

  

“Bringing our case against China before the United Nations is not a soft position. What we are after is to have a conclusive and durable resolution to the dispute by getting a clear and very specific decision from the court as to our maritime entitlements under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos),” Jose said.