Dengue cases prompt cleanup at police camp

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Authorities at this regional police headquarters have ordered a massive cleanup to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne dengue fever.

This, as dengue has left one Taiwanese dead and four others hospitalized even as they were set for deportation along with the rest of at least 290 Taiwanese recently arrested for online fraud.

Taiwanese Xiao Ming Yu died on Monday from the mosquito-borne disease. Compatriots Hong Kai Hen, 21, and Chen Po Han, 29, are still recuperating at the Calamba Medical Center.

Two others, Tsai Yo Jial, 23, and Chai Zhi Yi, 24, were returned yesterday to police custody after two days of confinement.

The Taiwanese were arrested along with 87 other foreigners, mostly from mainland China, in a series of raids in Quezon City and Rizal last month for their involvement in an online fraud syndicate.

Due to lack of detention facilities to accommodate their big number, the suspects were held at the covered court in this police camp.

The 290 Taiwanese are slated to be deported in two batches starting today.

Chief Superintendent James Melad, Calabarzon police director, has formed a team to address the dengue situation, including medical checkups for the detained foreigners.