ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday said it apprehended two Chinese citizens for allegedly possessing and using falsified documents intended for travel to Jolo, Sulu.

The men were arrested on March 26 by Coast Guard Station Zamboanga and were later turned over to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for legal processing.

According to the PCG, the two claimed they could not understand English or local languages but were informed of their rights and the reason for their arrest through a translator.

The PCG coordinated with the Zamboanga City Health Office and the Bureau of Quarantine to conduct medico-legal procedures, ensuring proper documentation and assessment.

The Chinese nationals were presented before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Zamboanga for inquest proceedings, which led to the filing of appropriate charges.

They were subsequently returned to Coast Guard custody while awaiting further legal action and disposition, as advised by the BI.