Foreigners warned vs joining rallies

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response (CSPOEPR) yesterday warned foreign tourists and guests of stern repercussions if they engage in any protest action during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

CSPOEPR Chairperson and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officerin-Charge (OIC) Catalino S. Cuy said that foreign tourists are not entitled to all the rights and privileges granted to Filipino citizens such as the exercise of political rights which is inherently exclusive to the locals.

“If our foreign friends are seen disrupting the summit or engaging in any political activity, we have no choice but to deport them,” Cuy said.

As foreign tourists, Cuy reminded them to strictly follow Philippine laws or run the risk of being deported.

Cuy reiterated that abiding the country’s laws is a must as foreign nationals joining protest actions would be dealt accordingly especially if this would cause disruptions in the conduct of the summit.

Earlier, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued Operation Order No. SBM-2015-025 which stipulates that foreign tourists are enjoined to observe the limitation on the exercise of their political rights during their stay in the Philippines.

The same order states that they are prohibited from engaging in any political activity as defined by the law, such as but not limited to, joining, supporting, contributing or involving themselves in whatever manner in any rally, assembly or gathering, whether for or against the government.

“You are our guests and we will accord you with our hospitality and generosity. However, you are expected to give us the same respect that we give you by following our laws while you are visiting our country,” Cuy concluded.