DAVAO CITY (February 21) — Three Filipino tourists are jailed in Hongkong and been sentenced to five-month imprisonment after their tour turned out to be a scam.
The three tourists whose identities are withheld, went to Hong Kong in October and using forged documents, opened bank accounts at the Bank of China and Standard Chartered Bank, which authorities suspect will be used for money laundering.
Despite successfully opening an account, bank officials became suspicious and they were arrested when they returned to the Bank of China on 12 October.
Consul General Antonio A. Morales reported that the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong said the Department of Foreign Affairs has been providing in-kind support and legal advice to the three Filipinos, including jail visits to ascertain their condition.
Morales said the three are expected to be released in March after serving a reduced sentence for pleading guilty to two counts of “using a false instrument” before the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts.-Jian A. Padillo/NewsLine.ph
