Philippines verifies reports of over 100 Filipinos arrested in China

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is currently verifying reports from China regarding the arrest of over 100 Filipino nationals. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, these individuals were apprehended for allegedly working or living in China illegally during special operations conducted by national immigration authorities.

The DFA is coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Beijing and various consulates-general to determine the exact number and status of those detained. The agency stated it will provide consular assistance as necessary and ensure that due process is observed. While acknowledging China’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, the DFA called on Chinese authorities to safeguard the welfare of the Filipinos and to provide prompt notification of arrests in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

In a related development, Benjamin Acorda Jr., Executive Director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, noted that the Chinese Embassy in Manila had previously suggested a threat of such arrests if the Philippines did not release Chinese nationals who were apprehended during a raid on Sanjia-Steel Corporation in Misamis Oriental.