A Chinese national detained pending deportation died in a Philippine immigration facility, prompting Beijing to demand a full investigation.

MANILA, Philippines —A Chinese national being held at a Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention facility pending repatriation died while in government custody on May 29, prompting calls from the Chinese Embassy in Manila for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The detainee, who was reportedly linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities, was being held at a BI detention center while awaiting deportation procedures.

Philippine authorities have yet to disclose the official cause of death. The Bureau of Immigration has not released details on the circumstances leading to the detainee’s death, saying investigations remain ongoing.

In response, the Chinese Embassy lodged a formal protest and urged Philippine authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent inquiry. The embassy also called for accountability should any negligence or mismanagement be found in connection with the case.

“The Chinese side expects the Philippines to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and ensure their humane treatment while in detention,” the embassy said in a statement.

The embassy expressed concerns about conditions in immigration detention facilities, citing reports of poor sanitation, inadequate medical services, and the high costs of repatriation procedures. Embassy officials said they have contacted the deceased’s family and are providing assistance with arrangements following the death.

The incident has renewed attention on the treatment of foreign nationals detained in the Philippines, particularly those connected to the government’s crackdown on POGO operations.

The Philippine government has intensified efforts against POGOs in recent years amid allegations that some operators are involved in criminal activities, labor abuses, human trafficking, and other illicit operations. Since then, hundreds of foreign workers have been detained while awaiting deportation or repatriation.

Human rights advocates have also long raised concerns over conditions in Philippine detention and correctional facilities, including overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to basic services.

Analysts said the death could add another layer of complexity to already sensitive relations between Manila and Beijing. The two countries continue to navigate tensions over competing claims in the South China Sea, while also managing issues related to offshore gaming operations and the treatment of Chinese nationals in the Philippines.

The Chinese Embassy urged Philippine authorities to publicly release the results of the investigation and to take steps to improve detention conditions, particularly in sanitation and healthcare.

No timeline has been announced for the completion of the investigation.