BI INTERCEPTS BLACKLISTED MALAYSIAN AT NAIA

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the arrest of a blacklisted Malaysian national who attempted to leave the country on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the passenger as 38-year-old Chong Wei Keong, who was intercepted at the immigration departure area of the NAIA terminal 1.

Chong was about to board a Malaysian Airlines flight to Kuala Lumpur when arrested.

The Malaysian was nabbed after informants tipped the Bureau about his impending departure from the country.

He is now detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending deportation proceedings.

Records showed that Chong was blacklisted by the BI last year after he was denied entry by immigration officers for failure to establish his purpose in traveling to the Philippines, which was deemed to be a public charge.

He had previously overstayed in the Philippines for seven months but could not explain what he did during his long stay here.

A public charge, in immigration parlance, refers to a foreigner who is considered a burden to the Philippine government.

Investigation, however, revealed that Chong is an illegal entrant after arriving the country earlier this year.

He was immediately arrested by immigration officers and supervisors after confirming his identity and records.

Chong will remain in the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig pending his deportation.