BI: 5 illegal aliens nabbed in Pangasinan, Ifugao face deportation

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday that five foreigners who were overstaying in the country were arrested in separate operations in Pangasinan and Ifugao.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the illegal aliens were tracked and nabbed by the BI Intelligence Division and its regional units in coordination with law enforcement agencies.  

“The Philippines is not a haven for undocumented and abusive foreign nationals. Those who disrespect our laws and overstay without proper documentation will be arrested, deported, and blacklisted,” Viado said.  

The first arrest occurred in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, where BI operatives from the Regional Intelligence Operations Unit (RIOU) 1, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 1, PNP Dagupan Provincial Police Office, and the Dagupan City SWAT team, One of those apprehended was a 34-year-old Nigerian man who found to be undocumented and in possession of an expired passport.

While being taken to the BI main office for booking, the Nigerian became violent and head-butted two immigration personnel, including a nurse conducting medical checks.

Meanwhile, another operation on April 28 led to the arrest of four Chinese citizens in Lagawe, Ifugao.

A 53-year-old Chinese man was arrested at the Ibulao Hydro Power Plant for overstaying and working without a permit. He was accompanied by two other Chinese men who also failed to present valid passports or immigration documents. All three were found working in the facility as engineers and supervisors without the required permits.

A related operation in Lagawe on the same day led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Chinese woman who is the wife of one of the men arrested earlier.

She was apprehended at a business establishment for unauthorized employment, misrepresentation, and failure to report her change of residence in violation of Philippine registration laws and the Philippine Immigration Act. Her visa indicated employment in Manila, but she had been residing and working in Ifugao since last year.

All five foreigners were brought to the BI main office in Manila for booking, biometrics, and legal proceedings. They underwent preliminary investigation by the BI Legal Division. They are now detained at the BI Warden Facility in Taguig City as they undergo deportation proceedings. —RF, GMA Integrated News