Nine Foreigners Detained for Undeclared Cash at Airport
Authorities have arrested nine foreigners caught carrying undeclared cash totaling over P440 million at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that these individuals now face deportation proceedings due to violations of immigration laws.
The presence of such a large amount of undeclared money raised significant concerns about potential threats to national security. “Immigration laws prohibit foreigners from engaging in activities that pose risks to national security,” a BI official explained, emphasizing the seriousness of the case.
Deportation and Blacklisting Imminent
Following their criminal charges, the nine foreign nationals will be deported and barred from re-entering the Philippines, sources familiar with the matter reported. The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP) arrested the group, which also included two Filipino nationals, at the MCIA checkpoint.
Among the detained foreigners, seven are Chinese, one is Indonesian, and one is Kazakhstani, according to local authorities. The BI highlighted that the foreigners’ actions violated immigration regulations designed to protect the country.
Criminal Records and International Alerts
Further investigation revealed that Wu Song, one of the Chinese nationals, is currently the subject of a red notice alert issued by Interpol for fraud-related charges. Additionally, two other Chinese suspects, Li Fei and Chen Hao, face arrest warrants for various offenses, complicating their legal status in the Philippines.
The involvement of foreign nationals with pending criminal cases and international alerts underscores the importance of stringent immigration controls. Officials stressed that such enforcement actions are critical to maintaining the nation’s security and legal order.
Implications for Immigration Enforcement
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by Philippine authorities to crack down on illegal activities involving foreign nationals. The Bureau of Immigration remains vigilant in preventing actions that could harm the country’s interests.
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