BI nabs 3 Chinese nationals in Davao
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday said three Chinese nationals found to be illegally staying and working in the Philippines were arrested.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said, “fake Filipinos do not have a place in the Philippines,” a move that follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to prevent the entry and stay of illegal aliens in the country.
The arrests, conducted on Sept. 5 in a commercial building in Bangoy, Davao City, involved a Chinese national who was misrepresenting himself as a Filipino and using a Filipino name in business dealings, despite holding a working visa for a Manila-based company.
The other two were caught working in Davao despite holding a tourist visa and a working visa for a company in Manila.
All three were taken into custody for violating Philippine immigration laws.
The operation was carried out by the BI intelligence division in Mindanao and the BI regional intelligence operating unit 11, in coordination with the Philippine Army, Air Force, Philippine National Police (PNP) Sta. Ana Police Station, PNP Davao City Police Office, and other government intelligence units.
“One of them was using a Filipino name in business dealings, misrepresenting himself as a Filipino,” Mr. Viado said. “We will not allow illegal aliens to use the said scheme to remain in the country.”
Meanwhile, the bureau also confirmed the receipt of a deportation-related court order for another Chinese national.
The order, signed on Sept. 4 by Presiding Judge Esperanza M. Cortes of the Taguig City Regional Trial Court, grants his habeas corpus petition and directs his release from BI custody due to lack of jurisdiction.
Mr. Viado said the bureau respects the court’s decision but noted that “fingerprints do not lie,” emphasizing that biometric evidence strongly supports their case against him.
The Bureau has filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals. The Chinese national will remain in BI custody until the case is resolved.
“This case is very much similar to that of Alice Guo,” Mr. Viado added. “We trust that the courts will continue to review and resolve this case with utmost diligence and integrity, to ensure the protection of national security and the rule of law.” — Erika Mae P. Sinaking
