3 Hong Kong men nabbed off Basilan face deportation

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will deport the three Hong Kong nationals who were apprehended by the military in the waters off Basilan after the suspects’ boat ran out of fuel two weeks ago.

Authorities said Tsui Tsz Kin, Ho Chun Wai and Wong Po, all of the HongKong Special Administrative Region, entered the country illegally.

The three foreigners are detained at the BI detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

Charges of violating the Philippine Immigration Act will be filed against the foreigners before the BI board of commissioners, according to BI anti-terrorist group  chief Fortunato Manahan Jr.

Personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines intercepted the suspects near Pilas Island.

“We are investigating their possible involvement in drug and human trafficking as well as smuggling,” Manahan said.

The foreigners reportedly refused to cooperate during questioning.

They alleged that they were just testing their speedboat but drifted into Philippine waters due to bad weather. 

Seized from them were several mobile and satellite phones, global positioning system devices and credit cards.