INTERCEPTED. Seven undocumented Filipinos aboard a motorboat from Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. Troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 intercept them as they were about to dock late Sunday (May 31, 2020) at the shore of Barangay Poblacion, Turtle Islands town, Tawi-Tawi. (Photo courtesy of MBLT-6)
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Authorities have intercepted and placed under quarantine seven undocumented returning Filipinos in the Turtle Islands municipality, Tawi-Tawi, an official said Monday.
Maj. Alpaser Haber, Turtle Islands police officer-in-charge, said the group was intercepted aboard a motorboat around 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the shore of Barangay Poblacion.
Haber identified them as Novilyn Solis, 34, from General Santos City; Jelyn Montong, 25, from Angeles City, Pampanga; Kenneth Ortiz, 34, of Barangay Poblacion, Carmen, North Cotabato; Kennethly Sanama 46, of Davao Occidental; Greghe Riñon, 30, from Cotabato City; Ria Lopez, 34, of Balintawak, Caloocan City; and Ritchie Salon, 39, from Panabo City, Davao del Norte.
Haber said they were intercepted by the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 (MBLT-6) while the troops were about to dock in Barangay Poblacion in Turtles Islands.
The Turtle Islands municipality is located within the Sulu Sea at the south-western tip of the country, at the edge of the international treaty limits separating the Philippines and Malaysia.
Haber said the local government immediate provided assistance to the group, adding they were placed on quarantine aboard a vessel anchored near the port of Taganak Island. (PNA)
