BI to deport 4 foreigners for disrespecting PH flag

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday expressed dismay after four foreign nationals were reportedly tearing down the Philippine flag.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said all foreigners staying in the country must respect its laws and symbolism.

“Foreigners destroying symbols of our country show utmost disrespect and do not deserve our hospitality,” he said.

According to the Philippine National Police of Ternate town in Cavite province, the foreign nationals –three from Pakistan and another one from Romania, were arrested after being reported last June 26.

The report came from a member of the Philippine Marine Corps, citing the “pulling down, taking turns to tear, and throwing away” of the Philippine flag.

These actions are considered a violation of Republic Act (RA) 8491, also known as “The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”

RA 8491 strictly prohibits to “mutilate, deface, defile, trample, on or cast contempt any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag over its surface.”

Tansingco, meanwhile, said the BI is now preparing to process the deportation of the four foreign nationals following their unlawful action.