OPERATIVES from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested 39 foreign nationals during a coordinated operation in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig on May 29.
The operation, led by the BI Intelligence Division and in coordination with the Philippine National Police Southern Police District (PNP-SPD), targeted a major telecommunications company where the foreign nationals—reportedly all Chinese—were found to be working in violation of Philippine immigration rules.
According to initial reports, the individuals failed to present valid travel documents during the raid, rendering them undocumented aliens under Philippine law.
Further verification also revealed that while the foreign nationals held working visas, these were issued under petitions from a different company—constituting a breach of the conditions of their stay.
“Foreign nationals who wish to work in the Philippines must comply with all our laws and procedures. Those who enter under false pretenses or switch employers without proper authorization will face the full force of the law,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. “This operation sends a strong message: the BI will not tolerate violations that threaten our national security and undermine our immigration system,” he added.
The raid was conducted following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, in coordination with other government agencies. It is part of a broader effort to crack down on illegal foreign workers in the metropolis.
The arrested individuals underwent usual booking proceedings and have been transferred to the BI detention facility in Bicutan pending the conduct of deportation proceedings.
About the Author
