MANILA — Three Malaysian nationals, purported members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) religious group led by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, were denied entry into the Philippines at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and subsequently blacklisted, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) disclosed on Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jessica Lynn Henry, Mimielianna Annie Anak Leesoi, and Andrijosebaul Anak Garra, all in their mid-20s, were deported back to Malaysia on August 28 after arriving at NAIA Terminal 1 from Kuala Lumpur on the previous night. The trio was intercepted while attempting to enter the country with a group of Filipinos, also identified as KOJC members. Tansingco noted that the Malaysians intended to participate in anti-government demonstrations related to the ongoing manhunt for Pastor Quiboloy, activities deemed inappropriate for foreign nationals.

"Our immigration officers discovered their intent to engage in activities that interfere with the country’s internal affairs," Tansingco explained. He emphasized that involvement in such protests by foreigners could lead to expulsion for violating Philippine immigration laws and being considered undesirable aliens. The three individuals also failed to provide adequate proof of their financial capacity for their stay in the country, further complicating their entry.

During the screening process, one of the passengers inadvertently revealed screenshots of anti-government slogans on her mobile phone, which she claimed to have downloaded accidentally from her Facebook/Messenger account. Following this incident, all three were placed on the immigration blacklist, banning them from future entry into the Philippines.