BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents in Mindanao reported the arrest of 15 undocumented foreign nationals stopped by law enforcement agencies in Tawi-tawi last September 1.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco shared the arrest of 8 Chinese and 7 Malaysians who were found to have entered Philippine territory on board 2 speedboats.
The 15 were reportedly intercepted by joint elements of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Philippine Navy (PN), and the Philippine Army (PA) during their conduct of maritime patrol in the border areas.
“Early morning today, we received information from the patrolling agencies that those arrested have been transported to Bongao for processing,” said Tansingco.
Initial verification through the BI’s centralized database confirmed that the intercepted individuals are illegal entrants, as no record of their entry were found.
Tansingco said that they are preparing deportation charges to be filed against the 15, who they believe attempted to enter the country to work illegally.
The BI Chief said that the arrest is the result of the active patrolling of maritime agencies who safeguard the country’s borders. The BI collaborates closely with these agencies to pursue legal action against illegal entrants.
All 15 shall face deportation charges and eventual blacklisting
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