China’s embassy in the Philippines announced on Friday that 64 Chinese citizens, who were detained in the Southeast Asian nation, have been released on Thursday evening after the Philippine Justice Department ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations they faced.
Allegations against the Chinese nationals, who worked at a steel plant in the Misamis Oriental province, included violations of the nuclear safety law, as well as immigraation and labour laws. They were detained by Philippine law enforcement authorities on May 15.
Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro had called for a full investigation into an operation in the province amid reports of undocumented foreign nationals and Philipine workers handling potentially hazardous materials.
The embassy also said that six more citizens were undegoing the procedures to be released.
According to its statement, the Chinese embassy and consulates in the country repeatedly lodged solemn representatons with senior Philippine officials and government agencies, pushing the Philippines to handle the case in a lawful and fair manner while discouraging infringing upon the rights and interests of the Chinese detainees.
The embassy said it will continue to take measures to protect the safety, lawful rights, and interests of Chinese citizens and institutions in the Philippines and also reminded Chinese nationals to strictly obey local laws and regulations.
Spokesperson for the Chinese embassy Ji Lingpeng on Wednesday raised concerns over the frequent detention of Chinese citizens by Philippine law enforcement agencies in recent months.
Ji urged Philippine authorities to notify Chinese diplomatic and consular missions within four days of any detention, arrest or other deprivation of liberty involving Chinese citizens and to clearly explain the reasons for such actions.
He also appealed for the prompt release of individuals who are found not to have violated Philippine laws, and not subject them to unlawful or prolonged detention.
