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Monday, October 17, 2005
Kidnap suspect deported by immigration office
MANILA -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. said Sunday he ordered an investigation on officials of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to determine who should be held responsible for the deportation of a kidnap suspect.
Chinese national Zhang Du, alias Wilson Zhang, is one of seven Chinese nationals accused of involvement in the kidnapping of Jackie Tiu four years ago.
Gonzalez said he would like to know whether there was a breach of security in the custody of Zhang, who was reportedly deported last May 7 although he is still facing trial at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in San Fernando City, La Union.
The Tiu family learned of Zhang's deportation when the victim's father checked with the case officer on the progress of the trial.
"I have called for an investigation on that. We are going to find out, first of all, how the guards are behaving. Those responsible for the deportation of Zhang may be charged with infidelity in the custody of a prisoner and dereliction of duty," Gonzalez said.
He admitted that Zhang's deportation while facing trial of heinous crime is an "act prejudicial to the interests of the Philippine Government."
"This is a serious matter. Those responsible must face the consequences of their action. I ordered the Bureau of Immigration to explain. It was brought to my attention two weeks ago," he said.
A report said Zhang, whose charge was reduced from being the prime suspect to accessory, had been out on bail.
During the course of the trial, it was discovered that the suspect was staying in the country illegally and had been held by the BI at the agency's detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig City since 2002.
Tiu complained to BI Commissioner Alipio Fernandez in August after National Police Chief Arturo Lomibao confirmed Zhang's deportation.
Tiu was abducted near her house on September 27, 2001. She was rescued eight days later. The ransom paid to her captors was recovered and seven Chinese nationals, including Zhang, were arrested at a hotel in Pasay City.
Tiu was earlier accompanied by Teresita Ang-See of the watchdog group Citizens Against Crime and Corruption in Malacanang and sought Arroyo's assistance on the lack of action by law enforcement agencies. (EVC/Sunnex)
(October 17, 2005 issue)
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