In a decisive crackdown, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested five foreigners overstaying in the Philippines during separate operations in Pangasinan and Ifugao. The BI’s Intelligence Division, working hand-in-hand with regional units and local law enforcement, tracked down these individuals who flagrantly violated immigration laws.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado delivered a stern warning: “The Philippines is not a sanctuary for undocumented and abusive foreigners. Those who disrespect our laws by overstaying without valid documents will face arrest, deportation, and blacklisting.”
The first arrest unfolded in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. A 34-year-old Nigerian man was caught without proper documentation and carrying an expired passport. During his transfer to the BI main office for processing, he suddenly turned violent, head-butting two immigration officers, including a nurse conducting health checks.
Meanwhile, in Ifugao, another intense operation on April 28 led to the capture of four Chinese nationals in Lagawe. Among them, a 53-year-old man was arrested for overstaying and illegally working at the Ibulao Hydro Power Plant. Two companions, also Chinese citizens, lacked valid passports and permits while working as engineers and supervisors at the facility.
On the same day, BI agents arrested a 30-year-old Chinese woman in Lagawe—wife of one of the men detained earlier. She faced charges of unauthorized employment, misrepresentation, and failing to update her residence in violation of Philippine immigration laws. Though her visa sanctioned work in Manila, she had been living and working in Ifugao since the previous year.
All five foreigners were brought to the BI headquarters in Manila for booking, biometric data collection, and legal proceedings. Following preliminary investigations by the BI Legal Division, they are now held at the BI Warden Facility in Taguig City, awaiting deportation.
The message is clear: The Philippines is cracking down hard on immigration violators. The BI will continue its relentless efforts to uphold the nation’s laws and protect its sovereignty.