Suspected ISIS trainer prevented from entering Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine authorities barred a suspected trainer of the ISIS terrorist group from entering the country.

The Bureau of Immigration said in a statement on Monday that Jaeem Hussain (36), a Pakistani, was stopped from entering the country last September 22. The Pakistani arrived via an Emirates flight from Dubai.

Immigration officers at the Clark International Airport intercepted Hussain, who they said, was on the bureau’s “alert list of suspected international terrorists for being an alleged trainer of Daesh.”

Daesh is another name used to refer to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Hussain was excluded and immediately booked a flight back to Dubai, said Immigration Deputy Commissioner Marc Red Mariñas.

According to the Immigration, Hussain “has been on the watchlist of military intelligence community” which sought their help in monitoring his possible entry or departure from the country.

The bureau said that in an interview, the Pakistani said that he has been working as a digital designer for 16 years and he wanted to visit his Filipina girlfriend in Olongapo.

Immigration records also showed that Hussain attempted to enter the country last May, via Manila, but was also turned away. He was likewise excluded and sent back to Dubai. — Kristine Joy Patag