(Photo courtesy of BI)
MANILA – The seven Chinese nationals apprehended by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for violating Philippine immigration laws are now under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
In a statement on Wednesday, BI Officer-in-Charge Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the undocumented foreigners as Kang Yinxi, Wei Jiarui, Zhuang Chugen, Guo Yibin, Lin Zongsen, Liu Xinfu, and Chen Min.
The foreigners, aged 30-45, were intercepted aboard the M/V Sangko Uno at the Navotas City port last Sept. 15.
The suspects were turned over to the BI last Sept. 20 for the initiation of deportation proceedings and transferred to the BI's facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.
According to BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., the suspects were unlawfully operating within Philippine waters without proper documentation.
"These individuals were attempting to exploit our porous maritime borders. Their illegal activities have been thwarted thanks to the swift action of the PCG," he added.
Viado condemned the blatant disregard of the country’s immigration laws and vowed a more aggressive stance in curbing illegal alien activities.
"This operation sends a strong message: the Philippines is not a playground for illegal aliens. The BI, together with our partners like the Coast Guard, will continue to stand against foreign threats to our sovereignty,” he said.
He also praised the PCG for its vigilance in protecting the country’s maritime boundaries.
"The PCG’s tireless work in patrolling our seas ensures that foreign syndicates do not illegally enter our country," Viado said. (PNA)
