MANILA, Philippines — The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) yesterday condemned the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for the “forced” deportation of its seven citizens, linked to telecommunications fraud, to China.
“The government of the Republic of China again expresses solemn concern and deep regret over the Philippines’ act of totally disregarding the as well as ignoring the rights of the citizens of the Republic of China,” TECO said in a statement, adding that it closely coordinated with the BI.
The seven Taiwanese were sent to China yesterday, TECO said.
Because of strong pressure from Beijing, Manila ultimately decided to deport the Taiwanese to the other side of the Taiwan Strait, according to a report by Hong Kong-based newspaper The Standard.
It was the second time in less than a year that the Philippines had sent Taiwanese nationals to China, the report said. – Rudy Santos