BI places 2 Chinese nationals on alert list over illegal COVID-19 clinic

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed two Chinese nationals, Liu Wei and Hu Shiling, on its alert list after they were apprehended for operating an underground COVID-19 clinic in Pampanga.

An Alert List Order (ALO) does not have the power of a Hold Departure Order (HDO) or a Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO), and thus cannot stop them from leaving the country.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra clarified that an ALO only alerts BI personnel to conduct tighter inspections.

If BI investigating units find prior charges against the Chinese citizens, it will be a basis to hold their departure.

The BI is also investigating other similar underground COVID-19 facilities operated by Chinese nationals in other locations.

Commissioner Jaime Morente stated that the BI is verifying the legal status of these individuals in the Philippines and will pursue deportation charges if immigration laws were violated.

Intelligence operatives are also tasked with locating four Chinese COVID-19 patients who were receiving treatment at the Clark clinic prior to the raid.