China assures rights of 3 detained Filipinos protected

China has assured the Philippines that the rights of three Filipinos detained on espionage charges are protected under Chinese law and are going through judicial procedure.

The Philippine government has conveyed to China the importance of due process and full respect for the rights of the detained individuals, in line with the Philippines-China Consular Agreement.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian confirmed that the detainees' legitimate rights and interests will be legally safeguarded.

The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou is coordinating closely with the Chinese government in safeguarding their rights, and the consulate is actively attending to their situation.

Article 13 of the Philippines-China Consular Agreement states that a consular officer is entitled to visit a detained national, converse with them, and arrange legal assistance.

The three Filipinos, residents of Palawan, were apprehended by Chinese authorities for alleged espionage activities against the Chinese government.

They are currently detained in a facility in Hainan, China.