Four Chinese nationals were arrested in separate operations in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, for allegedly violating Philippine immigration laws and the terms of their working visas, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported.
The arrests took place on November 6, the BI said in a weekend statement.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado urged all foreigners to strictly follow immigration rules, especially regarding visa conditions and registered residences.
“These operations show that our enforcement work extends to every part of the country. Foreign nationals who violate the terms of their stay and abuse the hospitality of the Philippines will be apprehended and deported,” Viado said.
Two Chinese nationals, aged 43 and 41, were arrested first at a restaurant in Barangay Bayog for working with companies other than their registered petitioners and failing to report a change of residence.
Later, two more nationals, aged 45 and 33, were arrested in Barangay Poblacion for similar offenses, working in Ilocos Norte despite being petitioned by a firm in Taguig City.
The foreigners were informed of their constitutional rights and brought to the BI Warden Facility in Taguig City for booking, documentation, and verification, ahead of deportation proceedings.
