CAVITE – Authorities arrested a Romanian and three Pakistanis after being caught disrespecting the Philippine flag in Ternate on June 26.

A statement released by Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO) on Thursday, June 29, identified the Romanian as Loan Oprescu, 36, and the Pakistanis as Sharoon Manzoor, 29, Shahid Manzoor, 45, and Shamail Jalal, 36.

Photo from Cavite Police Provincial Office (MANILA BULLETIN)

Initial investigation showed that the four suspects were caught pulling down a Philippine flag, damaging it, and throwing it away near Marine Base Gregorio Lim.

A member of the Philippine Marine Corps assigned at the base caught the suspects and sought assistance from the Ternate Municipal Police Station.

The foreigners are facing charges for violating the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

The Cavite PPO said it takes the violation seriously and remains committed to upholding the laws protecting the dignity of Philippine national symbols.