Foreigners got upset with traffic before ‘tearing up Philippine flag’

The four foreigners who were arrested for tearing up a Philippine flag reportedly did so after they got upset with the heavy traffic on their way to a beach resort in Cavite.

According to a report on "24 Oras," the four vented their ire on the Philippine flag when they reached the Marine Base Gregorio Lim.

The Bureau of Immigration said the foreigners—three Pakistanis and a Romanian—took turns in tearing up the flag after taking it down the flag pole.

They are facing deportation proceedings.

Police nabbed the foreigners on June 26 for allegedly violating Section 34 of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

“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.

The PNP 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 further processing.

Inquest proceedings were conducted on the same day.

“Disrespecting the Philippine National Flag is a grave violation that demands our utmost attention and must not be disregarded," PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.

"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,” he added. —Jiselle Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News