The Philippine Government forcibly deported 7 ROC nationals allegedly involved in telecom fraud on February 12, 2019. The Government of the Republic of China hereby expresses solemn concern and deep regret.
When the incident happened on October 24, 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China immediately instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines to urge the Philippine Government to handle this case with caution and abide by the Nationality Principle as well as respect the wish of the ROC nationals concerned by deporting them back to Taiwan for further judicial investigation based on the due process of law. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines has also conducted consular visits to the ROC nationals concerned to ensure their legal rights and personal safety.
Although the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines has been in close contact with the relevant government agencies of the Philippines, the Philippines still forcibly deported the ROC nationals concerned to China. The Government of the Republic of China again expresses solemn concern and deep regret over the Philippines’ act of totally disregarding the international norms and principles as well as ignoring the rights of the citizens of the Republic of China.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China again calls on the ROC nationals not to try to take the risk of engaging in illegal activities, including telecom fraud, overseas. Such activities are liable to result in imprisonment, which not only destroys one’s own future, but also tarnishes the image of Taiwan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China once again urges the Philippine Government to continuously implement mutual legal assistance with Taiwan to jointly fight transnational crime based on the existing good practices through joint efforts to crack down on cross-border crime.