Chinese envoy lauds BI for deporting Sino fugitive

MANILA, Philippines - THE Chinese ambassador to the Philippines on Thursday lauded the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for deporting a Chinese fugitive long wanted for drug smuggling in China. Chinese Ambassador Song Tao in a letter to Executive Eduardo Ermita dated June 18, 2008, cited the Immigration bureau’s “high degree of professionalism” in the deportation of Cai Wenxian back to China. Cai was deported early this month by BI authorities following his arrest by members of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Task Force. Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan in a statement said the Chinese envoy's citation to the bureau is a testimonial to its employees' efficiency and dedication to do their job. "At the BI a new meaning of dedication to service has started to take roots and this recognition by the Amnbassador Song encourages us the more to be change agents in the BI's definition of public service," Libanan said. Song also said Libanan "has made notable achievements after his assumption of his post" at the BI. Song said "the successful deportation further demonstrates the Philippine government's adherence to justice and its consistent policy that the Philippine soil will never be used as the refuge by foreign fugitives to escape prosecution." The Chinese ambassador added that they are looking forward for better cooperation between the Philippines and China in the campaign against transnational crimes and immigration regulation. - GMANews.TV