BI to deport 3 Nigerians

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to deport three Nigerians who are illegally staying in the country and are believed to be members of a drug syndicate.

In a statement, acting BI intelligence chief Maria Antonette Mangrobang said Victor Chijoke Edeh, Michael Uchehha Agusih and Edmond Chijioke Onyemere were arrested on May 6 at a house in Barangay Gatchalian, Las Pinas City. They are being held at the BI jail in Bicutan, Taguig.

Mangrobang said BI agents and the Las Piñas police initially apprehended eight Nigerian nationals but five of them were released after they presented documents showing that they are legally staying in the country. The three others were detained because their temporary resident visas have already expired.

Their neighbors and barangay officials became suspicious after the owners of several vehicles were spotted frequently visiting the house.