Authorities in Cavite arrested three Pakistanis and one Romanian after they were caught allegedly disrespecting the country’s national flag, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday.
The PNP identified the suspects as Sharoon Manzoor, 29; Shahid Manzoor, 45; and Shamail Jalal, 36, all from Pakistan, and Romanian Loan Oprescu, 36.
“Disrespecting the Philippine National Flag is a grave violation that demands our utmost attention and must not be disregarded. It is our duty to uphold the honor and dignity of our flag, and individuals found guilty of such acts will be held accountable under the law,” PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.
They were caught on June 26 for allegedly violating Section 34 of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, police said.
“Reports revealed that the suspects were caught in the act of disrespecting the Philippine National Flag. They were observed pulling and damaging the flag before discarding it in a grassy area near the camp,” the PNP said in a statement.
Police said the incident occurred at 5:40 a.m. at Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Sitio Calumpang, Barangay Sapang 1 in Ternate, Cavite.
The four foreigners were arrested by Sergeant Joylin Rojo of the Philippine Marines and were brought to the nearest police station for processing. Inquest proceedings were conducted on the same day.
