rki.news | Sources: Xinhua
MANILA, June 18 — The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines announced that all 70 Chinese nationals detained by Philippine authorities in connection with a steel plant in the southern Philippines have been released.
According to the embassy, 64 workers were freed on May 28. Chinese officials continued engaging with Philippine authorities to expedite identity verification procedures for the remaining detainees and called for the case to be handled fairly and in accordance with the law.
The embassy said two individuals were released on May 29, another two on June 3, while the final two detainees were freed on June 15 and June 17, completing the release of all those involved.
The Chinese nationals had been employed at a steel manufacturing facility in Misamis Oriental province and were taken into custody by Philippine law enforcement authorities on May 15.
Earlier, the Chinese Embassy cited a ruling by the Philippine Department of Justice stating there was insufficient evidence to support allegations that the workers had violated local regulations.
The embassy welcomed the resolution of the case and reiterated its commitment to protecting the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens overseas, bringing an end to the month-long case.