The Philippine Embassy in Washington on Saturday issued a statement denying reports that a Filipino was among those deported by the United States to the African state of Eswatini.
“After verification with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Embassy was able to confirm that no Filipino citizen has been involved in any third-country deportation from the United States,” the statement read.
The clarification comes in response to reports from international news agencies that a Filipino was among the 10 deportees sent by the US government to Eswatini as part of its controversial campaign to send illegal immigrants to a third country.
“The individual in question was unable to establish their Philippine citizenship and therefore could not be deported to the Philippines,” the embassy said.
“The Embassy continues to engage with relevant US authorities to ensure the well-being of its citizens in the United States and maintains its readiness to receive all Filipino citizens under final order of removal,” it concluded.
