BI arrests 15 illegal aliens in Tawi-Tawi

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted at least 15 undocumented foreigners in Tawi-Tawi, who are believed to have entered the country to work illegally.

According to the BI, a group composed of eight Chinese and seven Malaysians allegedly arrived in the Philippines on board two speedboats on September 1. They were intercepted by joint elements of the Maritime Industry Authority, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Army during a maritime patrol of the country’s border areas.

“Early morning today, we received information from the patrolling agencies that those arrested have been transported to Bongao for processing,” said Immigration Commissioner NormanTansingco in a press statement on Monday.

Initial verification through the BI’s centralized database confirmed that the intercepted individuals are illegal entrants, as no record of their entry was found. Deportation charges were being filed against the illegal aliens.

Tansingco said all 15 foreigners will be placed under the BI blacklist. —Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News