One hundred and forty-four Chinese who were arrested by the Philippine immigration administration on Dec. 14 and 15 respectively have been released after having paid bail, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in Beijing Tuesday.

Another arrestee, who applied to be repatriated, is going though the necessary procedures, Qin added.

The Consulate Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines made urgent representations with the Philippine side after the incident occurred.

The Philippine immigration administration arrested 102 Chinese on Dec. 14 and 43 more the following day on the charge that they did not have legal residence permits and were engaged in unlicensed retailing businesses.

Qin expressed the hope that Chinese citizens doing business abroad would abide by local laws and relevant regulations.

Source: Xinhua