Hong Kong man returns to city after 26 years in Philippine prison for drug offences

A Hong Kong man, Tang Lung-wai, who spent 26 years in a Philippine prison for drug offenses, has been released and returned home on Tuesday evening. The 55-year-old was arrested in Manila in July 2000 for possession of methamphetamine and placed on remand. He was convicted in 2011 and given a life sentence, which roughly translates to 40 years in prison.

A Manila court ruled in July that Tang's sentence would be commuted due to his good conduct, leading to his release and deportation. His family had to appeal to Hong Kong authorities for help, as delays due to severe weather and administrative issues delayed his release by two months. Tang recalled the moment he was allowed to change out of his orange prison uniform into his own clothes upon arrival at the immigration facility, feeling finally free.

He was greeted by his brother Billy Tang Lung-piu at the Hong Kong International Airport and taken to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for his flight back to Hong Kong. Tang will rest before visiting his parents and grandparents' graves and having a reunion meal with his family. Despite facing health issues and losing some teeth, Tang stayed active in prison and aims to obtain a driving license in Hong Kong to work as a driver or delivery worker.

He expressed gratitude towards various individuals and organizations that aided him during his 20-year ordeal, including the Chinese embassy in the Philippines, Hong Kong Immigration Department, former lawmaker Paul Tse, former chief executive Carrie Lam, the Hong Kong media, and the Tang Lung-wai Incident Concern Group.