Three Pakistanis and one Romanian were arrested in Ternate, Cavite for disrespecting the country’s national flag, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., the foreigners were going to Puerto Azul in Ternate. However, they got upset after spending several hours in a traffic jam.
To express their dismay, they pulled out the Philippine Flag displayed in the vicinity of Marine Base Gregorio Lim.
"Reports revealed that the suspects were caught in the act of disrespecting the Philippine National Flag. They were observed pulling and damaging the flag before discarding it in a grassy area near the camp," the PNP said in a statement.
The incident occurred in Barangay Sapang 1 at around 5:40 a.m. on June 26.
PNP identified the perpetrators as Pakistanis Sharoon Manzoor, 29; Shmail Jalal, 36; and Shaid Manzoor, 45, who reside in Pasig; and Romanian Joan Oprescu, 36, who lives in Taguig.
The said foreigners violated Republic Act 8491, also known as "An Act Prescribing The Code of the National Flag.
"The act of these foreign nationals is not only disrespectful but also a breach of the national symbol's dignity. The flag, a revered representation of national identity and sovereignty of the country, deserves the utmost respect from all individuals regardless of their nationality. We strongly condemn any act that undermines the values of cultural sensitivity, cooperation, and harmony between nations," said Calabarzon Police Regional Director, BGen. Carlito Gaces.
Gaces assured that they will be coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration for the possible deportation proceedings against the four foreign nationals.
