BI deports Indian ‘terrorist’ duo

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday said it deported two Indian fugitives tagged as “terrorists” with the aid of information-sharing with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the government of India.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said this collaboration is crucial to “hunting down” similar fugitives.

“Their deportation ensures that our country is safe from these undesirable aliens that pose a major threat to our people,” he said.

On Sunday, both 23-year-old Manpreet Singh Gill and 26-year-old Mandeep Singh were deported to New Delhi via a Thai Airways flight.

“They were said to be involved in terrorist activities in Punjab, India. Two of their companions, Amrik Singh and Hayer Amritpal Singh, were already deported last May. Manpreet and Mandeep were immediately deported after being cleared of local charges in the Philippines,” the BI said.

According to the Indian government, a warrant of arrest was issued against Manpreet for violation of India’s Arms Act.

The FBI said he remains at large for charges, including unlawful activities prevention act and alleged murder in India.

“Mandeep on the other hand was tagged as undesirable for harboring a fugitive and for violation of the conditions of his stay,” the BI added.

Immigration authorities arrested the two fugitives in Iloilo City last March 7.

The BI Fugitive Search Unit conducted its operation with the Anti-Terrorism Group, the Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center and the Philippine National Police.

Strengthening regional collaboration

Tansingco, meanwhile, vowed to continue to work with partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to combat incidents of trafficking within the region.

This came after the BI participated in the 26th ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (DGICM) gathering.

“This important annual forum allows us to discuss best practices in the ASEAN region that we can benchmark in our efforts to improve our services,” he said.

To address trafficking schemes, regional immigration leaders committed to boosting security measures, intensifying cooperation and improving intelligence sharing among member states.

The forum was conducted from Aug. 7 to 11 in Thailand, according to BI.