HOME Minister Datuk Saifuddin Nasution has confirmed that 11 individuals, including three Malaysians, who were detained by Philippine maritime authorities in southern Philippines last Sunday, will be flown to Manila tomorrow morning. They will undergo document verification before being deported.
Saifuddin, speaking after being briefed on the matter this morning, said the group consists of eight Chinese nationals who will be deported, and three Malaysians who will be repatriated.
“There are still three or four other Malaysians being detained by the Philippine authorities in southern Philippines over issues related to boat ownership,” he told reporters in Kota Kinabalu today. Saifuddin made these remarks following the launch of the Anti-Trafficking of Migrants Convention and the World Against Trafficking in Persons ceremony.
Last Sunday, Philippine authorities detained 15 individuals, including seven Malaysians and eight Chinese nationals, on suspicion of illegally entering the country’s waters.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun has confirmed that all those detained are in good health.
The eight Chinese nationals and three Malaysians were reportedly on a fishing excursion in Semporna, Sabah, when their boat allegedly strayed into Philippine waters. They were detained near Sitangkai, close to Tawi-Tawi in the southern Philippines, according to Philippines Immigration Bureau Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
In response, the Federal Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry has suspended the operating licence of the tour company involved, while police continue to investigate the incident. – September 5, 2024.
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