By Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday formally turned over to Chinese authorities a former government official wanted for corruption in his country.
In a press conference, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said Xie Haojie, 49, will be deported following his arrest by the Bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) in his unit at the Shell Residences along Sunrise Drive, Pasay City last January 13.
The Chinese national hid in the country for almost a year after fleeing China to evade prosecution for his alleged involvement in economic crimes and corruption amounting to PHP11 billion.
“He will immediately be deported back to China so he could face the cases lodged against him. His name will also be included in our blacklist to prevent him from re-entering the Philippines,” the BI chief said.
“We will not tolerate the presence of undesirable aliens using the Philippines as a hideout. Fugitives will be sent back [to their country] to face their crimes,” he added.
Morente noted that the case was referred to the BI and PACC by Chinese authorities. This resulted in a coordination meeting to track down and locate Xie.
“We wish to thank PACC Chair Dante Jimenez and his team for their partnership in this case. This shows that if government agencies work together, they will be able to achieve so much,” he added.
Aside from Morente, present during the presentation of the Chinese fugitive, which was held at the office of the PACC at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, were Jimenez, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua and other PACC and officials from the Chinese government.
“The Philippines and China will continue to strengthen our cooperation in going after Chinese fugitives hiding in our country, including former government officials wanted for corruption,” the Immigration chief said.
For his part, the PACC head warned foreign nationals wanted in their respective countries that they are not welcome in the Philippines.
“Let me warn all foreign fugitives hiding in the Philippines, the law will catch up with you including coddlers in various agencies. The Commission assures the public that coddlers would be investigated according to existing laws,” he added.
It was learned that Xie, at the time of his arrest, is already an undocumented alien because his passport was already revoked by the Chinese government.
On the other hand, the Chinese Ambassador expressed gratitude to the two government agencies for the arrest of the fugitive.
“On behalf of the embassy we expressed sincere thanks to the PACC, to the BI for their high efficiency in capturing the fugitive. This clearly demonstrates the determination of both sides in cementing (an) anti-corruption campaign,” Zhao said.
Morente said he is looking forward to more partnerships with PACC and other government entities in tracking down and locating illegal aliens in the country.
The PACC was created by President Rodrigo Duterte through Executive Order (EO) 43 signed on October 4, 2017.
The body’s powers were recently expanded through EO 73, mandating it to go after government officials and file appropriate criminal complaints and submit to the President for appropriate action.
