46 Filipinos’ illegal entry bid thwarted
SANDAKAN:
An attempt to smuggle in 46 Filipino nationals to Sabah was foiled by the Marine Police here in the wee hours yesterday.
Acting District Marine Police Chief Chief Inspector Sri Vikneswaran A/L Renganathan said they were arrested on board a locally- registered passenger boat for trying to enter the country illegally.
He said a Marine Police patrol boat intercepted the passenger boat in the Malaysian waters near Batuh Putih, off Mile 7 here, during a routine “Ops Tayang” beat in the area about 3.45am.
The passengers comprised 20 men, 14 women and 12 children, said Vikneswaran, adding that initial investigation showed all the suspects were from the Cagayan Island in the Philippines.
He said the suspects would be handed over to the Immigration Department for further action to be taken accordingly.
“We are still continuing with our investigation to determine if a syndicate is involved in smuggling foreigners into Sabah,” he said.
He also said the boat used to ferry the illegal immigrants had been detained to facilitate investigation.
Members of the public are advised to cooperate with the Marine Police in combating smuggling activities by contacting the Police round-the- clock Hotline 089-221423/. 089-221424/089.- 221453 or 089-221455 (facsimile).
