Manila, May 29 -- The safety and security of all Japanese nationals in the country is a top priority for the Philippine government, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo told his Japanese counterpart Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

Manalo made the assurance during a bilateral meeting with Iwaya in Tokyo on Wednesday.

In a readout on Thursday, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Iwaya emphasized that the "safety of Japanese nationals residing in the Philippines is essential for promoting investment" as he conveyed "hopes for improvements in the security situation in the Philippines."

Quoting Manalo as saying, the ministry said the top Filipino diplomat assured Iwaya that the matter is "being handled at the highest level."

He also ass...