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Philippines orders Islamic cleric deported

Jamaica-born scholar seen as threat to public security
Philippines orders Islamic cleric deported
Published: September 09, 2014 09:31 AM GMT
Updated: September 08, 2014 10:36 PM GMT

Authorities in the Philippines have ordered the deportation of a 68-year-old Islamic scholar over alleged links to terror groups.

The Bureau of Immigration on Monday said that Dr. Abu Ameen Bilal Philips, a Jamaica-born Canadian citizen who has spent several years in the Middle East as an Islamic teacher, "poses risks to public safety".

Philips, who is barred from entering at least six countries, was placed in custody by Davao City police on Sunday as requested by the Bureau of Immigration "because of security concerns".

"He is being considered a person of interest," said Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario, police director in southern Mindanao region.

The police official said Philips is considered a "threat to national security".

On September 4, authorities in Zamboanga City stopped Philips from conducting lectures on Islam. 

Rosario said it is not known when Philips arrived in the Philippines, but the police official said the cleric may have entered the country several times because he was reportedly married to a Filipino woman.

Philips is banned from entering Australia, the United States, Britain, Germany, Kenya and now the Philippines.

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