4 foreigners face deportation for encroachment

MANILA,  Philippines — The four foreigners arrested for allegedly encroaching into a forestland in Boracay face possible deportation charges, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

“Should they be found to have violated immigration laws, they may likewise be charged and subjected to deportation proceedings,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval told reporters.

Sandoval was referring to British nationals Stephen Field and Mark Harrington, Belgian Michielsen Dirk Josef, and Australian Maria Victoria Schafer.

The four were identified as the owners of establishments that encroached into the forestland areas and violated the no-build zone ordinance.

—Tina G. Santos