Filipino court orders the release of Gregor Haas from immigration detention

A judge has thrown a curveball into the high-profile case of Gregor Haas who has been languishing in a Filipino prison since his arrest last year.

Gregor Haas has been languishing in Camp Bagong in Manila since his arrest in May last year. Picture: 10News

The father of NRL star Payne Haas has won a court fight to be released from a squalid camp in the Philippines and sent home to Australia.

But Gregor Haas, who has been languishing in Camp Bagong in Manila since his arrest in May last year, remains in detention despite a court ordering his release on December 16 after recognising him as a Filipino citizen.

Haas’ mother proved to the court she was a Philippines citizen.

Indonesian authorities are attempting to extradite Gregor to Jakarta over five kilograms of methamphetamine shipped allegedly from Mexico to their shores in 2023.

Indonesian authorities are attempting to extradite Gregor to Jakarta over five kilograms of methamphetamine shipped allegedly from Mexico to their shores in 2023. Picture 10News

Haas has denied any involvement in the drug shipment, linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, that was hidden in ceramic tiles.

If extradited to Jakarta, Haas could face the death penalty.

Since his arrest, Haas, who has not been charged, has lost 30kg while living in squalid conditions in detention while fighting extradition.

His family and Sydney lawyers have pleaded for the Australian Government to intervene to bring the father of nine home after last month’s extraordinary court ruling.

There was a belief Haas could have been home by Christmas after Judge Antonio M. Olivete ruled “that Gregor Johann Haas is a citizen of the Philippines and therefore cannot be subject to summary deportation”.

Indonesian authorities released a photo of Gregor Haas after he was arrested in Cebu, Philippines.

Gregor is the father of NRL star Payne Haas. Picture: Zain Mohammed/NRL Imagery.

But it is being reported that there has been significant lobbying by the Indonesians behind the scenes who are keen to question and prosecute Haas. But the Philippines are unlikely to send one of its citizen to face prosecution in a foreign nation where the death penalty exists despite assurances that penalty has been taken off the table.

It has been reported the Phillipines’ Bureau of Immigration has appealed the court’s citizenship decision.

Haas’ Sydney lawyer, Abdul Reslan, has said the order for his release still stands and there has been no reason given why he has not been freed.

Mr Reslan has been said his client is losing weight rapidly as he survives on limited food and nutrition in a “dangerous environment”.

“We seek urgent government intervention and assistance in the repatriation of Mr Haas to Australia removing him from the perilous conditions he is being subjected to,” he said.

Mr Reslan told the Daily Telegraph the Australian Government should act swiftly to repatriate Mr Haas.

“We seek urgent government intervention and assistance in ensuring his release and safety, and the expeditious repatriation to Australia,” Mr Reslan said.

“ Mr Haas strenuously denies the allegations made against him. He has complied with and will continue to comply with all court and legal processes wherever the jurisdiction may be.

“We urge the government to ensure that this done from a place where he is safe.”

Haas’ son, Payne Haas, was not available for comment about the legal fight to have his father returned to Australia.

Originally published as Filipino court orders the release of Gregor Haas from immigration detention