Man linked to illegal deportation bolts jail

A Sri Lankan national who knows how a Chinese accused of kidnapping managed to get deported while in the Bureau of Immigration’s custody has also vanished from the BI’s detention center at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

Reynaldo Esmeralda, a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regional director who is investigating the Chinese suspect’s escape, said they were hoping that Sri Lankan Keerthi Jamayaha would turn state witness and reveal how Zhang Du was deported and returned to China.

"We had hoped that he would change his mind and divulge information. We had hoped that he would change his heart and tell us everything," Esmeralda said.

Keerthi escaped last Monday along with Chinese nationals Tan Ti Shao and Go Sak Ping, both of whom are facing drug-related charges.

Esmeralda lambasted the immigration bureau for its sloppy security.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the escape of Keerthi. The BI office in Bicutan should be extra careful and they should have employed extraordinary means to ensure that they are in jail."

Keerthi was a "principal player" in Zhang’s escape, acting as go-between for bureau personnel and detained foreigners seeking favors, Esmeralda said.

Keerthi was allegedly allowed to leave the facility for two days to process Zhang’s travel papers to China.

Esmeralda has ordered his executive officer, Arnel Dalumpines, to find out what happened.

He also ordered NBI personnel stationed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport to be on the lookout for Keerthi and the others.

Zhang, also known as Wilson Zhang, was one of seven Chinese nationals involved in the kidnapping of Jackie Tiu, a daughter of a businessman, in September 2001. He was deported even though he was on trial and had a hold-departure order on him.

The kidnappers initially demanded $1 million but later agreed at P10 million. They were nabbed after the ransom money changed hands.

Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez Jr. ordered the relief of all jail guards who were on duty at the time of Keerthi’s escape and has formed a panel to investigate.

"Heads will roll again," Fernandez assured. "The committee will also make a recommendation as to the disciplinary and legal actions to be given to those involved."

Fernandez ordered the detention center’s officials to submit a written explanation today.

Those found responsible would face dismissal from government service as well as a criminal case before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Several immigration bureau officials and personnel, including the chief of the bureau’s intelligence division, are facing graft and other criminal charges for Zhang’s illegal deportation.

The NBI’s Interpol division is currently seeking assistance from Chinese law enforcement agencies to locate and bring back Zhang.

"Since we don’t have an extradition treaty with China, the only thing we can do is appeal to our Interpol counterparts in China," said division head Ricardo Diaz.

Zhang is believed to have used forged clearances from the NBI, immigration bureau and the court to leave detention. He was even escorted to the airport by immigration officers. — With Edu Punay