BI arrests foreign couple operating Siargao resort illegally on tourist visas

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives arrested a New Zealand national and a Swiss national, both with tourist visas, for allegedly operating a resort in Siargao.

In a press statement, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the respondents as 41-year-old Teryn Jane Spencer, a New Zealand national, and 38-year-old Dario Salvatore Di Capua, a Swiss national.

Spencer and Di Capua were arrested on July 1 by BI Intelligence Division’s Mindanao Regional Intelligence Operations Unit operatives in an enforcement operation at a resort in San Isidro, Siargao, Surigao del Norte.

The operatives acted on information that the couple managed a homestay and cafe, offered yoga sessions without the required work visa or permits.

"Although the couple claimed they were merely investors, BI investigators found that they had been directly managing the establishment and dealing with customers while remaining in the country under temporary visitor status," the bureau said.

“A tourist visa is not a license to work or run a business in the Philippines,” said Viado. “We welcome foreign visitors who respect our laws, but those who abuse the privilege of their stay by engaging in unauthorized employment or business activities will be arrested, deported, and barred from returning. No one is exempt from our immigration laws,” it added.

They are now in BI custody and will undergo deportation proceedings "for violating the conditions of their admission as temporary visitors." — BAP, GMA News