Arrest of Fil-American citizen raises immigration, security concerns

MANILA, Philippines – A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) said the recent arrest of a New People’s Army (NPA) operative along with a Fil-American citizen in Calamba, Laguna raises “legitimate immigration and national security concerns.”

NTF-Elcac executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. was referring to the joint police and military law enforcement operation that led to the arrest of NPA member Binay Serrano, alias “Samay”, and American citizen Cristina Pasion last July 30.

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“The presence of Ms. Pasion alongside a wanted NPA personality, together with reports of her previous association with armed encounters in Mindoro, raises legitimate immigration and national security concerns,” he said in a statement over the weekend.

Torres said evidence recovered from previous encounters, including handwritten notes and field reports, suggests potential links with armed groups.

He said these materials will be carefully examined and subjected to legal scrutiny to ensure that any action taken is based on verified facts and due process.

While these allegations await due process, Torres said the Bureau of Immigration and other agencies will determine the proper legal actions against Pasion, including potential deportation or sanctions, in accordance with the law.

“This operation highlights the continuing challenge posed by groups and networks that draw foreign nationals into activities that may place them in violation of Philippine laws. Foreign nationals who enter the Philippines are expected to respect and comply with the country’s legal framework, including immigration rules and prohibitions against involvement in unlawful political or armed activities,” he added.

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Earlier reports said Pasion, who is affiliated with Migrante International, was last reported in the company of fellow Fil-American Chantal Anicoche and NPA members in Mindoro in December 2025.

Pasion remained with the communist insurgents after clashes in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro last March 24 and 29, even though Anicoche was rescued in January after being abandoned during an earlier encounter with military units in Barangay Cabacao, Abra de Ilog.

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Torres said this case draws attention to the broader issue of deceptive recruitment of foreign nationals through the so-called “exposure missions” or “solidarity tours.”

“NTF-Elcac calls on overseas Filipino communities, international student organizations, and solidarity networks to remain vigilant against deceptive recruitment efforts. Well-meaning individuals must be protected from being drawn into activities that may compromise their safety or violate Philippine laws,” he said.

Torres said the NTF-Elcac is committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguard Philippine sovereignty, and protect both Filipinos and foreign nationals from exploitation by groups engaged in armed violence. /jpv