By Lane Afable, News Editor
Agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested five foreign nationals during an intelligence operation in Pasay City this week.
The operation was conducted on the afternoon of May 5 at a casino at the Newport area, where BI intelligence officers discovered several foreigners allegedly engaged in activities inconsistent with their immigration status.
Among those arrested was a 51-year-old Chinese national who was found to be overstaying and allegedly working in the country without the proper visa. Also taken into custody were another Chinese national, a Malaysian national, a Taiwanese national, and a Korean national after authorities uncovered violations ranging from unauthorized employment to overstaying and working for entities other than their declared visa sponsors.
According to the BI, the operation was launched after receiving intelligence information regarding possible immigration violations being committed within the establishment. Coordination was made with local police authorities prior to the implementation of the operation.
All five foreign nationals were transferred to the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility in Taguig City for documentation and the filing of appropriate immigration charges.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stressed that the Bureau remains aggressive in pursuing foreigners who misuse Philippine visas and work permits.
“Our message is clear: foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their stay will be apprehended and removed from the country. Operations like this will continue nationwide,” Viado said.
