3 alleged Armenian terrorists barred entry into the country

Three Armenian nationals suspected to be members of a terrorist group have been barred entry into the country by Bureau of Immigration (BI) authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport over the weekend.

In a report, Cresencio Ablan, chief of the Anti-Terrorist Unit (ATU) based at NAIA, identified the Armenians as Petros Tunasyan, male, 39 years old; Armen Petrosyan, 38 years old; and Suren Hunanyan, 32 years old.

The Armenians arrived in Manila at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, via Thai Airways, which came from Bangkok. They were barred entry, or "excluded," and sent back to their point of origin in Bangkok, said Ablan in his report.

The suspects were spotted by members of the ATU Intelligence Officers Peter Tan, William Paterno Bell and Rudy David at the immigration arrival area while the same were waiting for their turn to be cleared by the immigration officials. One of the suspects was seen holding a video camera and shooting details of the arrival area. This prompted the immigration authorities to approach the group and checked their passports.

"Since their features were common among the profiled terrorists, David guided the suspects to the counter of Immigration Officer Tupaz purposely to have their papers examined thoroughly," said Ablan.

The group also upon questioning arrogantly replied "We are diplomats," said Ablan.

Upon examination of their passports, it was found that the Philippine visas were acquired in Nepal, and not in Armenia. The serial numbers of their visas were issued consecutively which presupposed their strong association with one another, said Ablan.

The Armenians also identified themselves as engineers by profession.

One of the Armenians also "acted to make it appear that he was suffering from high blood pressure, and tried to make a commotion in the airport.

"It was possible that the above-named passengers were associated with an Armenian national who was reported by a Manila-based embassy of planning to bomb the United States Embassy, also here in Manila," said Ablan.

It appeared that National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials arrested an Armenian national last year, said Ablan. Unfortunately, due to lack of prima facie case against him, the suspect was turned over to the BI, who deported the suspect, said Ablan. – With AFP