DAVAO CITY , Philippines —The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the arrest of a blacklisted Malaysian national who attempted to leave the country on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City. This incident highlights the BI’s ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and maintain national security.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the passenger as 38-year-old Chong Wei Keong. He was intercepted at the immigration departure area of NAIA Terminal 1 as he was about to board a Malaysian Airlines flight to Kuala Lumpur. Tansingco said the Malaysian was apprehended after informants tipped the bureau about his impending departure from the country.
Chong is now detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending deportation proceedings. Records showed that Chong was blacklisted by the BI last year after being denied entry by immigration officers for failing to establish his purpose in traveling to the Philippines, raising concerns that he might become a public charge.
Previously, Chong had overstayed in the Philippines for seven months without explaining his activities during his extended stay. In immigration parlance, a public charge refers to a foreigner who is considered a burden to the Philippine government. Further investigation revealed that Chong had illegally re-entered the country earlier this year, bypassing legal entry protocols.
Upon confirming his identity and records, immigration officers and supervisors immediately arrested Chong. He will remain in the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig pending his deportation.
