Four foreign nationals were arrested in separate operations in Nueva Ecija and Iloilo for alleged immigration violations, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Tuesday.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrests were conducted amid the government’s push for tightened immigration enforcement and ensure foreign nationals comply with Philippine laws.

On 12 February, BI intelligence operatives arrested South African national Faaiz Ameer Garnie, 32, at Camp Fort Magsaysay for allegedly violating the conditions of his 9G working visa.

Garnie was found working as a project manager for a company other than his petitioning employer. He also failed to present his passport and immigration documents during inspection.

BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the operation was conducted by the BI’s Regional Intelligence Operating Unit 3 in coordination with the camp military police, pursuant to a mission order from the commissioner.

During the same operation, Pakistani national Imran Khattak was also apprehended after he was discovered working as an operations specialist without a valid working visa. 

Both foreigners were brought to the BI main office for booking and documentation, and will undergo immigration proceedings.

Chinese nationals held in Iloilo

In another operation on 13 February, BI operatives arrested two Chinese nationals in Iloilo for overstaying and violating the conditions of their stay.

The suspects were identified as Wang Jiabai, also known as Kevin Wang, 43, and Wang Libi, also known as Lisa, 46.

Regional Intelligence Operating Unit 6 conducted coordinated operations in Balasan and Barotac Nuevo after receiving reports of foreign nationals engaging in unauthorized employment.

Wang Jiabai was allegedly managing a business establishment in Balasan despite having no valid visa extension, while Wang Libi was found working for a company other than her petitioning employer and failed to present valid immigration documents.

Both were informed of their rights and transported to Manila. They are now detained at the BI Warden Facility pending deportation proceedings.

Viado reiterated the agency’s strict stance.

“Foreign nationals who choose to stay and work in the Philippines must comply with the conditions of their visas,” he said. “We will not tolerate violations of our immigration laws. Those who disregard our rules will face arrest and deportation.”