4 Foreign Nationals who Destroyed the Philippine Flag Arrested
Police authorities arrested four (4) foreign nationals after they allegedly destroyed the Philippine flag in a sudden fit of rage.
Three Pakistani nationals and a Romanian were arrested at Marine Base Gregorio Lim (MBGL) Sitio Calumpang, Brgy Sapang 1, Ternate Cavite, according to a report from Police Regional Office 4A. This comes after they are said to have destroyed the national flag.
The apprehended suspects were identified as Pakistani nationals Sharoon Manzoor, 29, Shahid Manzoor, 45, Shamail Jalal, 36, of Pasig City, and their Romanian friend Ioan Emil Oprescu, 35, of Taguig City by Calabarzon Police Regional Director PBGEN Carlito M. Gaces.
According to investigators, the suspects were on their way to Puerto Azul before the incident but allegedly became frustrated after being stuck in traffic for many hours. The suspects got out of their car when they got close to the Marine Base.
For no apparent reason, they abruptly removed the flag from the pole and began ripping it. This caused a Marine soldier stationed at the facility to summon Ternate Police, who promptly detained them, based on the report.
“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 utmost respect from all individuals regardless of their nationality,” PBGEN Gaces said.
“We strongly condemn any act that undermines the values of cultural sensitivity, cooperation, and harmony between nations,” he added.
A complaint was brought against the foreign nationals for violation of Section 34 (i) Paragraph (a) of RA 8491, also known as An Act Prescribing The Code of the National Flag. Section 34 of Republic Act No. 8491 makes it illegal to mutilate, deface, pollute, tread on, or throw contempt upon any act or omission that casts dishonor or ridicule upon the flag’s surface.
“The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of educating individuals about the significance of national symbols and the responsibility we all bear in treating these symbols with dignity and honor. We will also be coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration for possible deportation proceedings against the four foreign nationals,” Gaces added.
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as guests in the philippines the National flag should be shown respect at all times
these aliens should be jailed first before being deported, teach them a lesson that they cannot trifle with our national symbol.
Absolutely, they have to be sent to prison.. Should taste their own dose of medicines.. What more they would do harm to us Filipinos if we are in their countries..