The Bureau of Immigration reported on Friday afternoon the arrest of three Pakistani nationals with alleged links to a local terrorist group.

According to the Bureau, on 3 October, the BI operatives arrested the 34-year-old Pakistani Faizan Muhammed in Purok Durian in Barangay Pinig Libano, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, for violating the conditions of his stay and for being an undocumented alien.

Muhammad, together with a certain Ali Wahab, was the subject of a complaint from a Filipina after owing her merchandise for almost a year. The complaint alleges that Muhammad possesses an expired travel document and has been overstaying in the country since 2015.

The duo reportedly harassed the family of the complainant and threatened to kill her as they were supported by a terrorist group.

Following confirmation of their status, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco immediately issued a mission order to arrest Muhammad  who was unable to produce a passport during his arrest and even produced a Philippine National ID.

Muhammad's alleged cohort, Ali Wahab, 36, was located and arrested in Barangay Banago, in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur. Ali was found with another Pakistani who was identified as Ajmal Ali, 35. Both were found to be overstaying and undocumented, and Ali was tagged by a report as a supplier of materials for a local extremist group in Central Mindanao.

Ali also presented a Philippine driver's license, stating his nationality as Filipino. Both were unable to present their travel documents.

The trio was immediately arrested and now faces charges for violations of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.