FACT: Chinese national died in custody of Bureau of Immigration

A Facebook post alleges that a Chinese national awaiting deportation died in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), with the Chinese embassy demanding a thorough investigation.

CLAIM:

A Chinese national, who the Chinese embassy reported to be in poor health, died while detained in a BI detention facility. The embassy demanded that Philippine authorities investigate the issue thoroughly and punish any misconduct.

RATING: FACT

CONCLUSION:

The Chinese embassy was reported in several Chinese state-affiliated media outlets to have lodged “stern representations” to the Philippine government over the death of the national.

THE FACTS:

• The Chinese embassy first announced via its official WeChat account on the issue on September 3, stating that a Chinese national with existing health concerns passed away on September 1 while held at a BI detention facility awaiting deportation.
• English-language Chinese state-affiliated media reported on the issue the following day, translating the embassy post. 
• As of writing time, no Philippine-based news outlet has independently covered the story, only republishing posts from Chinese news agencies. No government official has publicly commented on the matter.

THE BOTTOMLINE: 

Despite tensions, Philippine authorities should conduct a transparent investigation to avoid further straining relations between the two states.