BI to file raps vs. 3 HK nationals nabbed in Basilan

In a statement Monday, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the three are now detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending deportation proceedings. (Photo By Elmer B. Domingo – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to file charges against three foreigners for violating the Philippine immigration act.

The aliens identified as Tsui Tsz Kin, Ho Chun Wai and Wong Po, all nationals of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, were intercepted by military troops in the vicinity of Pilas Island, Hj Mutamad, Basilan for illegally entering the country.

In a statement Monday, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the three are now detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending deportation proceedings.

On the other hand, BI-Anti-Terrorist Group (ATG) Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. noted that they were apprehended while they were aboard a speedboat that ran out of fuel at sea.

Seized from them were several high-tech cellular phones, satellite phones, GPS devices, and credit cards.

During questioning, the foreign nationals alleged that they were just conducting testing procedures on their speedboat before they drifted into Philippine waters due to bad weather.

“We are investigating their possible involvement in drug trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling,” he said.

In June last year, the BI-ATG was created to highlight the bureau’s active involvement in the fight against terrorism and other transnational crimes.