Couple linked to terror group to be deported

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre (seated, right) present Rahaf Zina (standing left) and Husayn al-Dhafiri to media on Thursday, April 6, 2017. The couple is suspected of having links with the Islamic State. (Photo by JOAN BONDOC / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The Bureau of Immigration has started deportation proceedings against the foreign couple arrested for their suspected links to the terrorist group Islamic State (IS).

It was likely that the woman, Syrian national Rahaf Zina, would be the first to leave the country since she was unable to present documents proving the legality of her stay here.

On the other hand, Kuwaiti national Husayn Dhafiri was in possession of a working visa valid for three years.

“Zina’s case is being considered by the BI board of commissioners; we just need (National Bureau of Investigation) clearance that she has no pending case,” BI spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang said.

The couple was arrested on March 28 for violating immigration laws but also on suspicion that they had links to the terror group.