4 foreigners face possible deportation for disrespecting Philippine flag

MANILA, Philippines — Four foreigners may face possible deportation after they were arrested for disrespecting the Philippine flag in Ternate, Cavite, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

In a statement on Monday, BI said three Pakistanis and one Romanian were turned over to them by the Philippine National Police.

Citing a report from the Cavite Police Provincial Office, the bureau said Sharoon Manzoor, 29; Shahid Manzoor, 45; Shamail Jalal, 36; and Loan Oprescu, 36, were nabbed after a member of the Philippine Marine Corps caught them pulling down, tearing apart, and discarding a Philippine flag.

According to the BI, the four suspects have undergone preliminary investigation and are being detained in its holding facility in Taguig.

BI chief Norman Tansingco said the agency would pursue a deportation case against the arrested individuals for violating the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

The law states that the flag, the anthem, and other national symbols should be given “reverence and respect” at all times. It prohibits any act that casts dishonor or ridicule upon the Philippine flag.

“Foreign nationals staying here must respect our country and our laws. Foreigners destroying symbols of our country show utmost disrespect and do not deserve our hospitality,” Tansingco said.

— Kirsten Segui, Inquirer.net trainee

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