Four foreign nationals were arrested in separate operations in Rizal, Quezon City and Mandaluyong City for alleged violations of Philippine immigration laws, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.
Members of the BI Intelligence Division made the arrests as part of the government’s intensified enforcement of immigration rules. BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said two Indian nationals were arrested in Cainta, Rizal, following a mission order issued on September 4.
Authorities identified the suspects as Lamber Singh, 43 years old, who allegedly obtained a resident visa through fraudulent means, and Ranjodh Singh, 27 years old, who reportedly failed to present valid immigration documents and was classified as an undocumented alien. The two were also allegedly involved in “5-6” lending activities.
In Quezon City, immigration agents separately arrested Kulwinder Singh Gill, 36 years old, an Indian national, at Fairmont Park Subdivision. Gill was reportedly found to have no valid immigration status after his visa was cancelled. He was likewise allegedly engaged in “5-6” lending activities.
A third operation in Mandaluyong City resulted in the arrest of Saeid Bahadoran Baghbaderani, 33 years old, an Iranian national, who was apprehended in Sto. Cristo, Highway Hills, for allegedly conducting business without the visa required for such activity.
The BI also accused him of fraud and misrepresentation in connection with a previous work visa, as well as undesirability and failure to report a change of residence to immigration authorities.
Manahan said the three operations were coordinated with the appropriate Philippine National Police units in the areas where the arrests were made.
All four suspects were taken to the BI Warden’s Facility, where they will remain in custody while deportation proceedings are being pursued.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said foreign nationals who conduct legitimate activities in the Philippines are welcome but must follow the country’s immigration rules.
“Foreign nationals are welcome to stay and do legitimate business in the Philippines, but they must respect and comply with our immigration laws. Those found violating Philippine laws would face the appropriate consequences,” Viado said.