ARRESTED. Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) present five foreign nationals to the media following their arrest for illegal entry in Zamboanga City on Thursday (June 27, 2024). Four of those arrested were Indian nationals who were included in the BI's list of blacklisted individuals in 2004, 2016, and 2024. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
MANILA – Government forces on Thursday arrested five foreigners who illegally entered the country in Zamboanga City.
In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said four Indian nationals and a Malaysian were apprehended in an operation carried out by the PCG District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), PNP (Philippine National Police) – Maritime Group (MG), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
The arrested individuals, it said, entered the country from Malaysia to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi using a speed boat.
“Afterwards, they transferred to a commercial passenger-cargo vessel, M/V TRISHA KERSTIN 2, en route to Zamboanga City,” it said.
According to the BI’s Intelligence Unit, the four Indian nationals were included in the “watchlist of blacklisted nationals” in 2004, 2016, and 2024.
The arrested individuals will be charged with violation of Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act, specifically Section 37 E.
“The CGDSWM remains steadfast in upholding the law, as well as maintaining safety and security in service to the Filipino nation,” it said.
To date, the arrested individuals are under the BI’s custody for disposition and filing of appropriate charges. (PNA)
