China embassy seeks arrest of slay suspect

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MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese Embassy in Manila urged Philippine authorities to intensify efforts to immediately arrest the perpetrator of a shooting incident at a Makati City restaurant last week that resulted in the death of a Chinese citizen.

“The Chinese Embassy is informed of the serious criminal case that occurred in Metro Manila, where a Chinese citizen was fatally shot. Our embassy immediately activated its emergency response mechanism and provided assistance to the Philippine police in the investigation,” it said in a statement late Saturday evening.

The embassy did not state details of the case but it was apparently referring to a shooting at an unidentified restaurant in Makati City after midnight on Thursday, where security cameras showed the incident.

The video, which became viral on social media, showed a man shooting a handgun at close range at another man at the hotpot restaurant.

The police did not release sufficient details in the case, but Makati police investigators said both the shooter and the victim were Chinese nationals who had a dispute over a business transaction.

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The embassy underscored its efforts to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals in Manila, noting recent meetings between Ambassador Huang Xilian, the deputy chief of mission, and key officials including newly appointed Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado and top Philippine National Police officers.

Cooperation pushed

“It is our expectation that effective measures be taken to ensure the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese citizens in the Philippines and that cases involving Chinese nationals be handled in a fair and just manner,” the embassy said.

“Particularly those serious criminal cases involving Chinese citizens should be expedited in investigation and resolution,” it added.

The Chinese embassy said that it dispatched officials to visit Chinese citizens in detention, provided essential living supplies, and facilitated progress in cases involving Chinese nationals.

The embassy emphasized that law enforcement cooperation is a vital aspect of China-Philippines relations, noting collaboration on eradicating Philippine offshore gaming operators.