PNP tracking down those behind 'China province' banners

MANILA, Philippines — Police have deployed intelligence operatives to look for the people behind the display of tarpaulin banners over footbridges in Metro Manila welcoming visitors to the “Philippines, Province of China.”

Philippine National Police spokesman Senior Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. said intelligence officers have been checking areas where the tarpaulins were placed to find leads.

“We have people going around conducting overt and covert intelligence efforts to know their motivation,” he said in an interview yesterday with reporters.

The display of the streamers sparked outrage among citizens and netizens who called it a brazen affront to the country’s sovereignty.

Durana said those found responsible for displaying the streamers could be held liable for violating ordinances on littering in public places.

He said they also wanted to know the motive behind the stunt that may have been meant to discredit President Duterte, who is set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23 or sow confusion over the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea.

“We are holding our judgment at this point, not unless we have a very good information on which we can base our definitive conclusion on the investigation,” Durana said.

President Duterte has drawn flak for not standing up to China’s provocative actions in the West Philippine Sea, including its building of island fortresses in areas that are clearly within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

In one of his public appearances, Duterte even jestingly urged China to make the Philippines its province.