(Eagle News) — The Bureau of Immigration on Thursday, Sept. 16, said it remains on alert to thwart the entry of possible foreign terrorists into the country.
The bureau issued the statement after the Japan Embassy in Manila confirmed its government received information about a possible terrorist attack in Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.
“Those who fail to satisfactorily explain their purpose in coming are turned away and booked on the first available flight back to their port of origin,” Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said.
Morente said the bureau maintains a database of suspected international terrorists.
He said the database is shared with numerous local and international intelligence agencies including the Interpol.
“This database and other derogatory files are integrated into the electronic system, regularly updated, and is used by our immigration officers in processing and conducting arrival formalities for passengers, thus allowing us to detect such attempts,” he said.
Besides, he said due to ongoing travel bans amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the entry of aliens remain restricted.
The Philippine government has said the report from the Japan government is undergoing validation and being taken seriously.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala said so far, the threat level in the country was “moderate.”
