Bureau of Immigration officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) denied entry to three Malaysian nationals who claimed to be members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) due to 'suspicious' intentions in the country.
The trio, all in their mid-20s, reportedly arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1, the night of August 27 from Kuala Lumpur. They came with a group of Filipinos who presented themselves as KOJC members but later 'abandoned' them when they were referred for further immigration inspection.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco mentioned that the Malaysians were barred from entering because they were suspected of having suspicious intentions and were considered likely to become a public burden.
“Our immigration officers discovered their intent to participate in anti-government demonstrations being staged by KOJC members who are protesting the ongoing manhunt for Pastor Quiboloy,” Tansingco said.
Tansingco emphasized that foreigners should not interfere in the country’s internal political matters. Therefore, aliens who participate in such protests may be expelled for violating immigration laws and being deemed undesirable.
The Malaysians stated that the passengers they were traveling with had claimed they were heading to Davao City at the invitation of the KOJC.
Furthermore, the group were unable to provide any proof of their financial means to support their stay in the country and admitted to being unemployed.
During an interview with BI supervisors, one of the passengers unintentionally showed an Excel screenshot on her mobile phone, indicating various anti-government slogans, including “BBM Resign,” “Stop KOJC Injustices,” and “AFP/PNP Protect the People.”
When asked about the screenshot, the passenger explained that she had accidentally downloaded the slogans from her Facebook/Messenger page.
Tansingco mentioned that the three Malaysians were boarded back to a flight to Malaysia on August 28 and was placed in the immigration blacklist and banned from entering the country.
