BI bars Canadian murder convict

A Canadian convicted for killing a compatriot in Toronto almost 14 years ago was barred from entering the country by immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Bureau of Immigration (BI) port operations chief Grifton Medina identified the passenger as 32year-old Imad Hermiz, who was intercepted Feb. 12 upon his arrival at the NAIA terminal 1.

Medina said Hermiz immediately aroused the suspicion of immigration officers due to his failure to explain his travel itinerary and purpose of his trip.

“He seemed very suspicious, as he claimed that he will attend a religious activity in Davao City, but could not provide details for said visit,” said Medina.

Thus, Hermiz was excluded for being a public charge and deemed as possible threat to public security. Further investigation later revealed that Hermiz had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter before a Canadian court in February 2007, admitting he stabbed a fellow Canadian at a Toronto hotel on March 2005 during a party.

Several months after his sentencing, Hermiz was reportedly released on parole but the privilege was revoked after authorities learned that he had been peddling illegal drugs while out of prison.