Four Taiwanese nationals were arrested after authorities discovered that they were illegally staying in the Philippines following a maritime incident in Manila Bay.The men were initially rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) after their yacht ran aground on Thursday night.

During the rescue and subsequent verification process, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) determined that the individuals were classified as undesirable aliens based on existing records.The PCG coordinated with immigration authorities to enforce the applicable immigration laws.

Further investigation revealed that two of the detained individuals were reportedly wanted in Taiwan for drug-related offenses, while the other two were suspected of involvement in harboring illegal entrants.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that the case demonstrated the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies in identifying and apprehending individuals facing legal issues.Aside from immigration-related violations, the four men were also observed allegedly throwing garbage into the sea during the incident.As a result, they are facing administrative charges from the Coast Guard and a fine of P100,000.Additional proceedings before the Bureau of Immigration are also underway.

The suspects completed booking procedures at the BI headquarters in Manila and are expected to be transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa for preliminary investigation.They declined to provide a statement to reporters, saying through a translation application that they would wait for legal counsel.Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that caused the yacht to run aground.Officials also stated that the vessel, which was reportedly borrowed, could be confiscated if its ownership or documentation is found to be improper.