BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents and police operatives have arrested 39 Chinese nationals found illegally working in the country during a raid on a telecommunications firm at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City.
The operation, staged by the BI Intelligence division and in coordination with the Southern Police District, resulted in the apprehension of the 39 Chinese for violation of pertinent laws regulating employment of aliens.
The BI said the arrested foreigners failed to present valid travel documents, making them undocumented aliens under Philippine law.
Further verification also revealed that while the Chinese held working visas, these were issued under petitions by a different company, constituting a breach of the conditions of their stay in the Philippines.
“Foreign nationals who wish to work in the Philippines must comply with all our laws and procedures. Those who enter under false pretences 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 was part of broader efforts to crack down on illegal foreign workers in the metropolis.
The arrested individuals underwent the usual booking proceedings and were transferred to the BI detention facility in Bicutan pending completion of deportation proceedings.
