BI warns unruly foreigners in Siargao of deportation

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday warned that foreigners in Siargao who violate Philippine laws could face deportation.

The bureau issued the warning following reports of foreign nationals allegedly violating laws and disrupting public order on the island, one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

“Yes po, kung may sapat na dahilan, pwede sila mag-proceed sa deportation case at mapa-deport po sila. Dahil hindi naman po dapat maabuso yung hospitality ng ating bansang Pilipinas,” BI deputy spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said in Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

(Yes, if there is sufficient ground, a deportation case may be pursued and they may be deported. The hospitality of our country, the Philippines, should not be abused.)

The BI earlier announced that it would roll out a series of training programs for local government units and partner agencies to strengthen awareness and enforcement of immigration laws, improve the detection of violations, and enhance coordination in addressing community issues involving foreign nationals.

The bureau also warned that foreigners found violating local laws may be blacklisted.

“Kapag nakuha yung mga pangalan ng mga dayuhan, amin pong titignan kung ano yung kanilang immigration status. Kapag nakita natin na may violation, mas madali po,” Mabulac said.

(Once we obtain the names of the foreigners, we will check their immigration status. If we find a violation, it will be easier to take action.)

“Pero kung makita natin na sila ay may reklamo from the community, lalo na sa local government unit, pwede pong umandar yung pagpo-proseso na possibility na sila ay undesirable at sila ay mapatawan ng deportation at mapasama sa blacklist,” he added.

(But if we find that there are complaints against them from the community, especially from the local government unit, the process may proceed for them to be declared undesirable, deported, and included in the blacklist.)—MCG, GMA News