Arrest of 69 Chinese workers alarms embassy

MANILA, Philippines —  The Chinese embassy yesterday expressed concern over the arrest and detention of 69 Chinese workers following a raid on a steel manufacturing plant in Tagaloan, Misamis Oriental.

The embassy said the incident raised suspicions of “discriminatory” law enforcement practice against its nationals.

At a press briefing, Zhou Zhiyong, embassy deputy chief of mission, said they have written the Department of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies regarding the alleged inhumane condition of the workers in the detention facility.

Zhou said the agencies have yet to respond to their letter. He said the company’s lawyers have denied that the workers were undocumented as they were issued special work permits and visas by the Bureau of Immigration.

“Our concern is the safety and welfare of our citizens here in the Philippines. They are not illegal workers. They are workers who are issued proper visa or work permits to work in a Filipino company. They work here legally,” Zhou said as he urged authorities to clarify the legality of the continued detention of the workers.

He said there were around 400 workers in the company including the 69 Chinese and over 300 Filipinos who were released following the raid.

Philippine officials said the company was suspected of producing substandard and hazardous materials.

“If you say they are all suspects, they are all workers of the same company,” Zhou said. “Everybody should have been taken into custody.”  

He cited information that someone from a Philippine law enforcement agency went to the area to rescue Filipino workers.

“(It) raises the suspicion of discrimination, discriminatory law enforcement practice,” Zhou said.

The Chinese workers were reportedly flown to Manila in a military plane.

Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said that after several requests to Philippine law enforcement agencies, Chinese consular officers were allowed to visit the workers.

Ji urged the Philippines to handle the case in a fair and just manner, in accordance with the law, and ensure the lawful rights and interests of all detained Chinese nationals.