THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned foreign nationals to refrain from participating in mass actions on Monday when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivers her last State of the Nation Address (Sona).

In a memorandum, BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan instructed lawyer Faizal Hussin, BI intelligence chief, to investigate any foreign activist who will be spotted among the ranks of the protesters so they could be subjected to deportation proceedings.

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Hussin also was directed to “gather information for purposes of identification through photographs, passports, residence addresses, and immigration status” about foreign nationals taking part in mass actions.

Libanan said foreigners joining protest rallies are tantamount to interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

“They can be held liable for violating immigration laws as the act violates the conditions of his/her stay in the country,” he said. “They will be ban from re-entering the Philippines by putting them in our blacklist of undesirable aliens.”

In the past, Hussin said they see foreigners at rally sites but could not determine if they were protesters or just observers.

“To be investigated, there must be evidence. If they carry placards, shouting, or speaking on stage,” he said.

Meanwhile, the bureau’s law enforcement division (LED) will be investigating a group of nine Belgian activists who allegedly took part in a protest march by in Bacoor, Cavite last Wednesday.

Wilfredo Poquez, LED acting chief, said they are coordinating with the Bacoor police in verifying the immigration status of the Belgians and in tracing their whereabouts so the necessary action could be taken against them.

A report obtained from the Bacoor police identified the Belgians as Johan Demettenaere, Mario Alessander Bauwens, Stefanie Devloo, Nicky Broeckhoven, Marlies Geldof, Jelle Eeckout, Oreet Vantieometi, Mattia de Pauw, and Chiara Donadoni, all of whom are said to be in their 20s.

The division is now investigating the status of these Belgians to determine if they should be subjected to deportation proceedings for immigration law violations.

CBCP’s call

THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) asked the people to watch the State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Arroyo this Monday.

“We are encouraging everyone to listen to what the President is going to say regarding her programs and the state of the nation,” said CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo in an interview over Radio Veritas 846.

The prelate encouraged the Filipinos to analyze and discern what the Chief Executive will be reporting.

“It is also by listening that we will be able to know whether the President is telling the truth or not,” the Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop said.

On the other hand, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad urged the President to be truthful on her Monday’s report by also admitting her failures.

“She should tell the truth if she still wants the trust of people in her to return,” he said.

Jumoad said President Arroyo owe it to the people by admitting her shortcomings and failures in fulfilling the promises she made.

The Sona on Monday will be the President’s last since she will be leaving her post come June 2010.

Arroyo is expected to report before the whole country her administration accomplishments for the past year and her plans for the country in the last months of her tenure as the Chief Executive. (FP/Sunnex)