2 Chinese caught in Clark under alert list

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed on its alert list the two Chinese nationals caught operating an underground hospital for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients.

“We have placed them on our alert list to prevent them from leaving the country and ensure their presence while they are undergoing criminal and administrative investigation for their alleged offenses,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

Morente added that the duo, identified as Liu Wei and Hu Shiling, will not be cleared for departure and will instead be referred to the BI intelligence and legal divisions for investigation.

Liu and Hu were arrested last May 19 after allegedly operating an illegal clinic at the Fontana Leisure Park here.

They were released on the same day without any charges filed against them.

The BI chief added that BI is conducting a separate investigation into the case of Chinese nationals who were caught operating clandestine Covid-19 hospitals not only in Clark but also in Makati City which was raided last Tuesday.

“I have instructed our Intelligence Division to investigate if these alleged Chinese doctors are legally staying in the country. Should we find they violated our immigration laws, they will be charged them with deportation cases before our law and investigation division,” BI chief said in a statement.

He said BI intelligence operatives were also ordered to locate the four Chinese Covid-19 patients who were undergoing treatment at the Clark clinic before it was raided.

“Even if no criminal charges were filed against them, they can be charged for immigration law violations if we can establish that they violate the conditions of their stay in the country,” Morente explained.

He stressed that if criminal charges are filed against the aliens, the BI will deport them only after their cases are resolved or they have served their sentences if convicted.

BI Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. disclosed that case buildup activities are now being undertaken to ascertain the true identities and visa status of the Chinese doctors.

“We are also are investigating if there is a connection between these two clandestine facilities and their Chinese operators,” Manahan said.

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