Is The Death of Filipino Teacher Benjamin G. Yango in Harbin, China A Scam?


By Nepcosimo Guisona

A very close friend of mine informed me by email earlier today regarding the death of a Filipino compatriot in A’cheng, Harbin, (Haerbin; 哈尔滨), Heilongjiang Province, China.

His name is Benjamin G. Yango, 33 (not 30 as earlier reported), an elementary school English teacher, married with two children and comes from Bontoc Mountain Province, the Philippines.

He is believed to have died of heart attack 2 or 3 days before he was finally discovered in his rented apartment on May 21, 2010.

There was no autopsy being undertaken by the Chinese local authorities on his body as of this writing.

The Philippine Embassy is Beijing, China is believed to be doing its very best to process all the needed documents for the fast release of Mr. Yango’s body from the morgue that charges their service a whopping 90,000 RMB or more than half a million pesos.

While it is being advanced by our compatriots who are ill-informed of the situation that this whole thing is a scam considering the vividness of the letter and it’s more obvious financial aspect it might also help if we firstly verify the information and save our reckless and improper commentary later on.

I for one could attest his death is true. I saw the pictures. I spoke with the embassy official. I spoke with a friend who confirmed the death was indeed true.

The Philippine Embassy in Beijing and its Consular offices in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Xiamen might be able to confirm the sad news to spare the misfortune of Mr. Yango. Give the DFA, OWWA, Embassy or the Consular office a call.

If you are in the Philippines, try to reach Benguet Province Governor Nestor Fongwan or Mountain Province Governor Maximo Dalog’s offices. They also know the issue.

But regarding some of our compatriot’s request for financial help (take note the family did seem to seek financial help for it would have been highly improper) as indicated in the letters and emails circulating around China (and elsewhere).

Finally, please be reminded and wary since we can not vouch for the safety of your donation should you choose to send any amount directly.

I for one would not send any donation thru that bank account.

It would also help if you can directly call his wife Fely Yango, who I believe is still in China. Otherwise, I have the strong urge, should our compatriots are indeed willing to help in monetary form, that it would be wiser to directly coordinate with the Philippine Embassy or any of our Consular offices in China for that matter.

I don’t need think you need to see the pictures of him lying on his bed? But let me describe it this way: Gruesome.

Found below are the references:

http://bbs.chinadaily.com.cn/viewthread.php?tid=668920
http://mabuhaycity.com/forums/pinoys-mainland-china-hong-kong-macau-taiwan/11411-filipino-male-teacher-found-dead.html
http://www.siampinoy.net/forum/55-ano-ba-ang-latest-post-it-here/90128-letter-appeal-petitioning-the-overseas-welfare-workers-admin.html

The author is lecturer of physics and freelance researcher from the Philippines. He lives in Shanghai, China.