Pubdate: Tue, 08 Feb 2005
Source: Mindanao Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Mindanao Times.
Contact:  http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/
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BID READY TO DEPORT 8 CHINESE NATIONALS

Eight Chinese nationals subject for deportation for overstaying were
presented to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte yesterday at the City Hall
Conference Hall.

Benjamin Lao, Bureau of Immigration and Deportation alien control
officer, said they are now ready for deportation after several days of
undergoing investigation for possible involvement in drug
trafficking.

Lao said most of these people are neighbors of Allan Sy here, have not
violated any law except for overstaying in the country.

One of the eight is the father of Allan Sy, alleged drug lord who
remains scot free, who will be deported after the Chinese New Year.

"We are treating you as humanely as possible. I want to maintain good
relationship with China being a big brother of the Philippines. All
that I am asking is for you all to refrain from violating the law,"
Duterte told the eight chinese nationals who wanted to stay until the
Chinese New Year.

The mayor said he will not oppose their continued stay in the city as
long as it is in accordance with the law.

"As long as the extension is legal, I personally vow to protect your
stay here," Duterte told the Chinese nationals.

They assured the mayor that they understood his concern and that they
will not get involved in drug trafficking. They were rounded up and
held at the BID soon after the shabu laboratory raid in Dumoy, Toril.

Lao said the eight have paid the penalty of staying in the city for
over four months and that the agency expects to find more overstaying
foreign nationals.

To Hang in the Flagpole

Duterte made it clear that he was not being biased to Chinese or
Taiwanese nationals and that his campaign against drug trafficking
transcends nationality.

He said if he can catch an American drug pusher or any foreigner, he
will hang them in the flagpole at city hall.

"Nobody should be griping that I have my eyes only on the Chinese
because I am not. Give me an American who is a criminal or a Chinese
who is a criminal and I'll hang them in the flagpole," Duterte said.

"I am inviting tourists here, just don't give me criminals," Duterte
said.

"While it's true that there's a Filipino-Chinese who got killed but it
does not follow that my focus is on them," Duterte said.

The mayor emphasized that in Davao City or any other place in the
country foreign nationals should follow the law of the land.

"In here we are Filipinos and we should love our country," Duterte
said. 
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