The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested four Taiwanese nationals for allegedly entering the Philippines illegally aboard a private yacht anchored in Pasay City, following a coordinated operation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Intelligence operatives and PCG personnel raided the foreign vessel after receiving information on its suspected unauthorized arrival.
The BI identified the arrested individuals as Hung Pin Sheng, Weng Pai Chen, Chen Chin Chih, and Liang Chia Hua. Authorities said all four were found to have bypassed standard border inspection procedures.
Immigration records confirmed that none of the passengers underwent required arrival checks. A background verification also showed that Weng Pai Chen and Chen Chin Chih are subject to active arrest warrants issued by the Kaohsiung District Court in Taiwan for alleged drug-related offenses, while the other two reportedly have prior criminal records.
The suspects are currently detained at the BI Warden Facility in Bicutan, Taguig City, facing charges for illegal entry and harboring undocumented aliens. Deportation proceedings are being prepared.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the operation reflects the bureau’s commitment to border security and enforcement against undocumented foreign nationals.
He warned that the Philippines will not serve as a safe haven for individuals evading prosecution in their home countries, adding that authorities will continue coordinated operations to identify and remove undesirable aliens posing risks to public safety and national security.