RP gives residency to RI immigrants

RP gives residency to RI immigrants

PHILIPPINES: The Philippines has given permanent residency to
thousands of Indonesian immigrants who entered the country
illegally years ago but have reported themselves to authorities,
immigration officials said on Friday.

The government estimated six years ago that more than 7,000
Indonesians were staying in southern Mindanao island without
travel papers, Deputy Immigration Commissioner Teodoro Delarmente
said in a statement.

The Philippines' second largest island shares the Celebes Sea
border with northern Indonesian islands.

Delarmente said 2,448 of those illegals had been issued alien
certificates of registration that gave them permanent residency
status.

"They have virtually assimilated themselves into Philippine
society as they speak the local dialect fluently and many have
sired children with Filipino spouses," the bureau said. --AFP