And then there are the misfortunes of teachers from Africa....

I beg that you do not misinterpret my post - I have no and never expressed any serious doubt re the most unfortunate death of this FT colleague in China.

My doubts are concerned with the real cause for his death - a matter that has not been properly investigated...as another post in this thread would suggest.

I feel there must be another cause for his death, but this may be mere speculation: some time ago, we have read some posts made by some Filipino teachers in China in the same area where Mr. Yango must have worked. The reports we could read here on ESL TB indicated problems of several Filipino colleagues in connection with a certain training centre there that must have been run by the local Chinese mafia at that time. If I remember correctly, the person reporting this also said that he and his colleagues were in fear of several death threats they must have received by the owners of that training centre. Therefore, I would not totally exclude the possibility that Mr. Yango was in fact murdered if he had been one of the Filipino colleagues concerned at that time.

I have refrained from saying that explicitly in my last post for reasons of sentiments of respect and tact for the person departed from this earth and his family left behind. I have stated it now as your post did not leave me any other chance to make it clear what my real motivations were.

I am a European but I have also always felt serious concerns for the well-being of Filipino colleagues in China, who more often than not are miserably treated - for obvious reasons! So, I would not take such a highly regrettable event lightly!

The tragic death of Mr. Yango really saddened the people who knew him personally. But it's devastating to read senseless speculations and insensitive comments. Please respect the bereaving family and friends, you have no idea how painful is this fateful event to them. If it is deemed necessary to provide those concerned or curious people some proof and evidences, they may investigate personally. FYI, his remains has been flown to Beijing yesterday, finally to his "home".

Let us all be responsible and sensible adult human beings.

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.