According to a message posted on the WeChat public account "Chinese Embassy in the Philippines" on June 14, in response to reports circulating on social media about unidentified Chinese citizens being detained in the Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has attached great importance to this issue. It immediately dispatched personnel to visit the detention centers of Philippine law enforcement agencies to gather information and verify the situation. The embassy also actively provides assistance within its scope of responsibilities. The details of the relevant case are as follows:
1. Regarding the case of a Chinese citizen attempting suicide. The individual was arrested for suspected illegal retail activities and has underlying medical conditions requiring long-term medication. After being seized, he experienced abdominal pain due to missing medication, and his family promptly provided him with the necessary medication. There is no issue related to attempting suicide. Our office has urged the Philippine side to coordinate and resolve his medication issues.
II. Regarding the case of a Chinese citizen who coughed blood. The individual was approved for repatriation many years ago, but due to settling down in the Philippines, they were unwilling to return to China. Currently, the individual’s health is generally stable, and they express their desire to return to China for treatment as soon as possible. Our embassy will guide and assist them in completing the repatriation procedures to help them return home as soon as possible.
III. Regarding the case of Chinese citizens being “mistakenly detained without cause” in shopping malls. The party involved is a member of a certain Filipino business association. On that day, they were detained by Filipino law enforcement officers while talking with someone inside the store. The party has retained a lawyer to seek bail, and related legal procedures are underway. Our office will closely monitor the progress of the case and provide assistance within our capabilities.
IV. Regarding the case of 24 Chinese workers who were detained. The Chinese workers involved were working illegally in the Philippines with tourist or business visas, or they evaded Philippine work permits through false connections. This constituted violations of Philippine laws, and they were apprehended by the Philippine immigration authorities upon report by someone. Upon learning of this case, our embassy immediately demanded that the Philippine side handle the matter fairly and according to law, and we are continuing to follow up on this situation.
The Chinese embassies and consulates in the Philippines have always attached great importance to protecting the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens in the country. In cases where Chinese citizens are detained in the Philippines, we require the Philippine side to promptly inform us of the situation, arrange visits as soon as possible, improve detention conditions, and do our best to assist detained Chinese citizens in solving practical difficulties. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and its consulates in the Philippines have hotlines for protection and assistance available 24 hours a day. Chinese citizens can contact them at any time in case of emergencies. Since June, through the efforts of the embassy, nearly 20 people have been released from the Philippine Immigration detention center or have been repatriated. The procedures for repatriating the remaining more than 20 people are currently underway.
The Chinese embassies and consulates in the Philippines hereby solemnly remind Chinese citizens in the Philippines to strictly abide by Filipino laws and regulations. Foreign citizens are not allowed to engage in retail business in the Philippines without proper approval. If foreign citizens plan to work in the Philippines, they must hold a Foreign Citizen Employment Permit (AEP) issued by the Philippine government, as well as a work visa (9G). The actual nature of their work, the location, and the companies they work for must be consistent with the approved documents. Otherwise, if discovered, they will face serious consequences such as detention and deportation. Please do not trust the oral promises of “friends” and “black intermediaries,” and do not rashly come to the Philippines to work, to avoid being deceived. When seeking consular protection and assistance from embassies and consulates, please provide a truthful and complete description of the situation, so that the consulates can provide timely and effective assistance.
