HKer returns after spending 26 years in Filipino jail

A Hongkonger who was sentenced to prison for 26 years in the Philippines after being found guilty of drug possession has been released.

He was assisted by the Immigration Department during his return to the city today.

Tang Lung-wai was seen arriving at the airport accompanied by Immigration Department personnel.

He was arrested along with another Hongkonger in 2000 in the Philippines and was charged with drug possession.

Tang, who insisted on his innocence, was held in custody for 11 years before being found guilty, and was sentenced to life in jail.

By the end of 2024, prison reforms in the Southeast Asian nation resulted in Tang's supposed early release in July, but the release was consistently delayed.

This as a joint effort between the Immigration Department and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong helped to secure the prompt return of Tang.