16 Chinese escapees urged to turn themselves in to authorities
The Bureau of Immigration urged 16 Chinese escapees who were among the 1,316 illegal aliens arrested last week to turn themselves in to authorities.
This was after another 10 Chinese returned to government custody after slipping away from detention last week.
“We appeal to these 16 Chinese to return to our custody so that their cases can be resolved with dispatch in the ongoing deportation proceedings,” said BI spokesperson Tonette Mangrobang said.
The BI identified the missing Chinese as: Song Yun Zheng, Fang Qing Yong, Song Ye, Huang Jian Hui, Huang Zhen Zhi, Huang Long Bao, Zhao Di, Liu Moi Hui, Yu Chang Ung;
Huang Wei Sen, Li Fei Yun, Cheng Rong Quan, Huang Yong Cheng, Huang Wei Bin, Chen Quean Qing, and Chen Han Xiang.
It may be recalled that last week, 57 foreigners escaped from their temporary detention facility at the Club Fontana Hotel at the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.
READ: BI probes escape of 57 Chinese arrested in Clark
This was after the arrest of 1,316 Chinese nationals for overstaying, violating the conditions of their visa, and working at an unauthorized online gambling facility last November 24.
The firm was owned by Macau-based gambling tycoon Jack Lam who has been accused of bribing justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.
READ: PNP chief: Duterte orders Lam arrested for bribery, economic sabotage
An immigration lookout bulletin order has been issued against Lam, who is believed to have left the country last November 29. The BI will be cancelling his special investors’ visa.
Mangrobang said the Chinese nationals who eventually returned to government custody gave the same reasons for slipping away.
The foreigners claimed they could not withstand the conditions in the holding facility, and wanted to return to the comfort of their villas, take a bath and sleep in their bedrooms.
“All of them also denied allegations that they bribed their guards or gave money to anyone to help them escape,” said Mangrobang.
Those who returned to the BI’s custody were persuaded by officials of the Chinese embassy and their managers to return to the holding facility.
However, the BI’s investigating panel led by lawyer Henry Tubban still pushed through with their probe as directed by BI commissioner Jaime Morente.
