American nabbed in Cagayan for working in BPO firm sans proper visa

Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended an American in Cagayan de Oro City for allegedly working as an executive of a business process outsourcing (BPO) company without a proper working visa. 

According to BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., the 47-year-old suspect was arrested on September 30 for supposedly serving as a top executive of a BPO firm along Borja Street despite not having a valid work visa or permit.

Upon inspection, the foreigner also failed to present his passport and only showed a tourist visa ACR I-Card, which does not authorize employment in the country.

“The subject was clearly misrepresenting his stay in the Philippines by working as a company head without the proper documentation,” said Manahan.

The suspect was immediately flown to Manila and is currently under the BI custody while awaiting deportation proceedings. 

“In line with the President’s marching orders, we are making it clear that the Philippines will not tolerate foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality,” said BI Commissioner Joel Viado.

 “Whether ordinary worker or top executive, wala kaming pinipili pagdating sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Everyone is accountable if they violate our laws,” he said. 

(Whether ordinary worker or top executive, we will not be selective in implementing our laws. Everyone is accountable if they violate our laws.) —VAL, GMA Integrated News