The Philippine's Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday that a Chinese couple arrested for shooting staff members of the country's consulate in Cebu City will be repatriated to stand charges in China.

This announcement follows reports that the couple - Li Qingliang and his wife Guo Jing - invoked diplomatic immunity after they were arrested. Guo is reportedly an employee of the Chinese consulate in Cebu. Initially, she was thought to have been the shooter in Wednesday's deadly attack. However, after reviewing CCTV footages, police officials have confirmed that Li pulled the trigger.

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At a news conference on Thursday,  the Philippine's foreign affairs department spokesman Charles Jose said Beijing has invoked diplomatic immunity for the couple under the 1961 Vienna Convention and the 2009 Consular Agreement between both nations. The couple, who are currently being detained by the police in Cebu City, will be handed over to a team set to arrive from Beijing. They will then be transferred to China to stand trial.

Wednesday's deadly shootout occurred while about nine staff members of the Chinese consulate in Cebu City were having lunch to celebrate the birthday of consul general Song Ronghua at the Lighthouse Restaurant.

Police Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom Banas said surveillance footage shows that Li stood up and fired at the consul general and his deputy Sun Shan. He then turned the weapon on Hui Li, a female finance officer at the consulate. Sun and Hui were pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital. Song, who took a bullet in his neck, is reportedly being treated at a local hospital.

The motive for the shooting is yet to be established conclusively. Police say it was likely inspired by a grudge over personal finances.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police spokesman Wilben Mayor has revealed that a .45 Colt pistol found at the scene of the shooting has been traced to Valenzula City. A duplicate gun with the same serial number is reportedly registered to a man named Theodore Calavera in that city.

TagsCeby Ciy Lighthouse Restaurant Shooting, Chinese Cosul General Cebu City Shooting, Song Ronghua, Li Qingliang, Guo Jing, Hui Li, Sun Shan, Lighthouse Restaurant Shooting Cebu City