Immigration bureau still can't deport 72 Taiwanese

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Davao City said they are waiting for the resolution of the criminal complaint filed against 72 Taiwanese nationals, who were nabbed for international financial fraud, to act on their deportation.

A BI source, who refused to be named, said they still cannot deport the aliens pending resolution of a criminal complaint filed against the Taiwanese nationals before the City Prosecutor’s Office (CPO).

He said requirements needed for a deportation proceeding have already been readied, except for the alleged violation of Republic Act 8484, otherwise known as Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998 that which needs to be resolved first.

Should the CPO dismiss the complaint, the same source said the BI is expected to deport them as soon as possible.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon, counsel for the foreigners, vowed Monday to expedite the dismissal of the case to fast-track deportation proceedings of his clients.

He said he is confident that the lawyers of the 72 Taiwanese can defend and prove the innocence of the accused.

This move came after the Regional Trial Court denied the Taiwanese motion for reconsideration for the petition for habeas corpus, stating that the arrest and continued detention of the Taiwanese are legal. (ANC)