We are overjoyed that the over 100 Chinese arrested and brought to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) Detention Center in Camp Bagong Diwa Bicutan Metro Manila last Friday are being released today. They allegedly were according to the BI press release, arrested for involvement in illegal online activities. Please see BI press release below….
PRESS RELEASE
2019 June 29
BI Arrests More than 100 Illegal Aliens in Online Company Raid—Rescues 1 Minor
LAGUNA, Philippines—Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente
announced the arrest of 105 foreign nationals in a raid of a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
company in Biñan, Laguna.
According to Morente, the foreigners were caught by operatives from BI’s Intelligence
Division (ID), in flagrante working at a BPO without the necessary visas on Thursday
morning. “They failed to present any proof of identification, during verification formalities,”
Morente added.
BI Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval bared that of the 105 arrested aliens, 21 were female
while 84 were male. “There was even one minor—a 17 year old female—who was obviously
trafficked to work here illegally, which brings the number to a total of 106,” she shared.
According to Sandoval, information about the illegal aliens came from several complaints
from the community. She stated that most of those arrested were undocumented or were able
to present only tourist visas. The roundup resulted in the interception of 97 Chinese, 4
Indonesians, 3 Malaysians, 1 Vietnamese, and 1 Laotian.
“They were arrested for violating the conditions of their stay,” said Sandoval. “Foreigners
are not allowed to work here without the proper visas or permits,” she added.
Sandoval said that the 105 will be detained in BI’s holding facility in Bicutan, Taguig while
ongoing deportation proceedings. She added that the ID recommended for the release of the
minor under recognizance to her guardian, but may still be ordered to leave the country by BI’s
legal team if found to have indeed engaged in illegal work.
Morente expressed his dismay upon learning of big companies employing illegal aliens.
“Cases like this show that some foreign nationals think that they could just get away with illegal
activities in the country easily,” he said.
He warned that illegal aliens shall be arrested and deported. “This should serve as a warning
to aliens with depraved motives. We are serious in our drive against illegal aliens. Foreigners
who are undocumented should go out now and legalize their stay, lest face sanctions,” Morente
said.
Morente then encouraged citizens to report illegal aliens in their community. “Many of our arrests came from complaints, reports, and tips from concerned citizens,” said Morente. “This is
a big help for us in pinpointing the location of illegal aliens who may be hiding in the most remote
places of the country. Report them to us so our Intelligence men may swiftly act on it and we
may deport them immediately,” he urged.
(Picture credits where due)
A small group of approximately 20 were released on Saturday and the rest were released tonight. Exciting days, you may say BI are at long last doing their job.
Considering however there are people who have been detained in that facility for years despite filing motions for bail, and motions for reconsideration to the denial of bail, remain detained.
We wonder how many millions were paid in addition to the 58, 000 Philippine Pesos per person to expedite their release.
voicesfromabox 