THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested three Pakistani nationals with alleged links to a local terrorist group.
Arrested in Purok Durian in Barangay Pinig Libano, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur last October 3, was Pakistani Faizan Muhammad alias Faizan Khan, 34, for violation of the conditions of his stay and for being an undocumented alien.
Muhammad, together with a certain Ali Wahab, was the subject of a complaint from a Filipina after owing her of merchandise for almost a year. The complaint alleged that Muhammad possesses an expired travel document, and is already overstaying in the country since 2015.
The duo reportedly harassed the family of the complainant, and threatened to kill her as they were supported by a terrorist group.
Upon confirmation of their status, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco immediately issued a mission order to effect Muhammad’s arrest. During his arrest, Muhammad was unable to show a passport, and even presented a Philippine National ID despite being a foreign national.
His alleged cohort, Ali Wahab, 36, was located and arrested in Barangay Banago, in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur. Ali was found with another Pakistani identified as Ajmal Ali, 35. Both were found to be overstaying and undocumented, and Ali was tagged by a report as a supplier of materials for a local extremist group in Central Mindanao.
Ali also presented a Philippine driver’s license stating his nationality as Filipino. Both were unable to present their travel documents.
The trio were immediately arrested and faced charges for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940