Philippines Releases 64 Detained Chinese Citizens, Embassy Announces
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines announced on Friday that 64 Chinese citizens detained by Philippine authorities have been released, marking a significant development in a case that had strained bilateral consular relations. Six additional Chinese nationals are currently undergoing release procedures.
According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy cited by Xinhua News, the 64 individuals were freed on the evening of May 28 after the Philippine Department of Justice ruled that evidence was insufficient to support allegations of violations of the country’s nuclear safety law, immigration regulations, and labor code.
Background of the Detention
The Chinese nationals were working at Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, in the southern Philippines. They were detained on May 15 during a multi-agency raid on the facility, which also resulted in the displacement of over 300 Filipino workers.
Philippine authorities alleged that workers at the plant were exposed to unsafe conditions without proper protective equipment and that elevated radiation readings had been detected. The National Bureau of Investigation reported finding radioactive isotopes including uranium-238, thorium-228, and thorium-232 at the facility, according to GMA News.
The steel plant has disputed these claims, asserting that workers had valid permits and working visas and suggesting that tested products may have been counterfeit.
Diplomatic Response
The Chinese Embassy said it had attached great importance to the case, lodging multiple solemn representations with senior Philippine officials and demanding a fair, prompt, and lawful settlement. Embassy personnel conducted several consular visits to the detained nationals during their confinement.
Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng had earlier expressed concern about what he described as the “frequent detention of Chinese citizens by Philippine law enforcement agencies in recent months,” as reported by the Global Times. Ji emphasized that China highly values the protection of the personal safety and legitimate rights of its citizens abroad.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. called for a full probe into the operation, which he said involved “undocumented foreign nationals and Filipino workers handling potentially hazardous materials,” according to BusinessWorld.
Broader Context
The case unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over competing claims in the South China Sea, as well as the Philippines’ ongoing crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), many of which employ Chinese nationals. The steel plant has also been linked to businessman Tony Yang, who has previous ties to POGO operations.
The Straits Times reported that the Chinese embassy had lodged repeated stern representations with Philippine authorities throughout the detention period.
Impact and Next Steps
The release of the workers represents a diplomatic success for China’s consular services, which had been pressing for their release since the May 15 raid. However, the steel plant remains closed, and over 300 Filipino workers remain displaced. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has been profiling affected workers for assistance programs, while the Department of Labor and Employment is working to secure unpaid salaries.
Analysts suggest the incident may lead to stricter regulations on foreign-owned businesses in the Philippines and could affect Chinese investment sentiment. The broader China-Philippines tensions over the South China Sea continue to provide a challenging backdrop for bilateral cooperation on consular and economic matters.
The Chinese Embassy has vowed to continue safeguarding the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese citizens in the Philippines while reminding Chinese nationals to strictly comply with local laws and regulations.