THE Chinese Embassy in Manila has requested the swift resolution of a shooting incident that left a Chinese citizen dead in a hotpot restaurant in Makati City.
The shooting incident, which was caught on the restaurant’s closed-circuit television camera, took place last October 17.
The suspects were identified as Chinese. One of the suspects was identified as alias “Zi An” while the other was named alias “Bao Long.”
Police suspect the killing was related to the operation of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) though the suspects have yet to be apprehended.
The embassy said it is assisting the PNP in the investigation.
“The Embassy encourages the Philippine authorities to intensify efforts to swiftly apprehend the perpetrator and ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and their property in the Philippines,” the embassy said in a statement.
“On top of that, the Embassy is also providing consular assistance to and advances necessary post-incident arrangements for the family of the deceased Chinese citizen,” it added.
The embassy said that ensuring the safety of its citizens in the Philippines is its top priority.
“We make every effort to protect the legitimate rights and interests of our nationals staying in this country,” it said, adding that Ambassador Huang Xilian and the Deputy Chief of Mission and Counselor in charge of consular matters exchanged”‚views on”‚China-Philippines law enforcement cooperation with newly appointed Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, top PNP and other law enforcement officials.
“It is our expectation that effective measures be taken to ensure the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese citizens in the Philippines and cases involving Chinese nationals be handled in a fair and just manner,” the embassy said, adding that investigation and resolution should be expedited, particularly those involving serious criminal cases.
The embassy also reiterated that Chinese law prohibits any form of gambling and that the Chinese government welcomes the Philippines’ decision to ban POGO operations and crack down on those still in operation and their criminal activities.
It added that since last July, 140 Chinese associated with POGOs”‚have been repatriated to China.
