THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) said that the 41 foreign nationals arrested in Bataan appeared before the agency for their reportorial obligation.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the foreign nationals appeared before the BI’s Intelligence Division last November 25, after their physical custody has been temporarily transferred to Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia and their legal counsel under recognizance.

As a condition of the transfer of custody, all 41 are required to present themselves to the BI’s head office in Intramuros bi-monthly.

The 41 aliens were composed of different nationalities — 22 being Malaysians, two Chinese nationals, one Pakistani, two Vietnamese , six Bangladeshi nationals, one Indonesian, six Brazilians, and one Thai.

Viado earlier clarified that the cases against the said foreign nationals remain active, with the BI committed to pursuing due process in compliance with the directive from Malacañang.

He stated that the arrested aliens face deportation cases on grounds of undesirability.

In immigration parlance, bail via recognizance meant that subjects are not released, but their physical custody are transferred to the individual providing legal guarantee during the course of the deportation case.

The 41 foreign nationals were part of those arrested by the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in Central One Bataan last October 31.

Out of the group, one foreign national identified as Handoyo Salman, 40, was already deported last November 21 after being found to be a fugitive from justice.

Viado said the cases of the 41 foreign nationals remain ongoing, and should they be found liable, they will also face deportation in accordance with Philippine immigration laws.

He added that the aliens will not be able to flee the country to avoid facing their charges as their passports are with the BI and their names have been included in the BI’s hold departure list.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jun I. Legaspi