Immigration bureau arrests 4 Taiwanese for alleged illegal entry

MANILA, Philippines — Four Taiwanese were apprehended for alleged illegal entry into the country while aboard a yacht in Pasay City, said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday.

In a statement, the BI identified the Taiwanese as Hung Pin Sheng, 39; Weng Pai Chen, 21; Chen Chin Chih, 22; and Liang Chia Hua, 35.

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According to the agency, the four were arrested during an enforcement operation at a yacht in Island A, Reclamation Area, Pasay City.

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“The mission order was based on an intelligence report received by the bureau and was implemented in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard,” the BI said.

Verification by immigration authorities later showed that Hung and Liang have prior criminal records in Taiwan while Weng and Chen were found to be wanted by the Taiwan Kaohsiung District Court and the Taiwan District Prosecutors Office for drug-related offenses.

Th BI said all four are also under investigation for violation of Philippine immigration laws for illegal entry, as well as for being fugitives from justice and harboring illegal aliens.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado maintained the bureau’s commitment to preventing the Philippines from being used as a refuge for foreign fugitives and transnational criminals.

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“This operation underscores the BI’s firm resolve to protect our borders and enforce immigration laws,” Viado said.

“Foreign nationals who think they can use the Philippines as a safe haven from prosecution in their home countries should think again,” he added.

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The four Taiwanese are currently at the BI Warden’s Facility in Bicutan, Taguig City where they will remain under detention pending the deportation proceedings. /apl

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