BI deports close to 300 Chinese illegal workers

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the first batch of foreigners who were deported were part of the 329 illegal aliens arrested in eight different hotels and establishments last September 16. (File Photo: Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration on Tuesday (BI) deported 294 Chinese nationals in two chartered flights at the Puerto Princesa International Airport.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the first batch of foreigners who were deported were part of the 329 illegal aliens arrested in eight different hotels and establishments last September 16.

They were arrested through the operation of BI intelligence agents with the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (Wescom).

According to Fortunato Manahan, BI Intelligence Division chief, the foreign nationals were apprehended for violation of their conditions of stay by working in the country without the necessary permits and visas.

“Upon determination of their age, they were ordered released. Custody has been turned over to the Chinese Embassy, and they have also flown out today (Tuesday),” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the BI turned over seven minors to the custody of the Chinese Embassy.

Manahan added that their passports have also been canceled by the Chinese government, making them undocumented aliens.

He noted that the other batch consisting of 28 illegal aliens are still being processed.

“There is a smaller group of 17 that will all be flown to Manila, whose deportation order is already being processed, while 11 have NBI hits — including the principal — hence we wait for the resolution of their local cases before implementing deportation,” the BI official added.

Before the implementation of their deportation, the group was temporarily detained in an inn in Puerto Princesa, which was secured by BI and Wescom personnel.

Meanwhile, Morente reiterated his warning against illegal aliens hiding in the country.

“We are targeting big companies who so blatantly disregard our laws by hiring improperly documented foreign nationals,” he said.

“We welcome you to our country to do business as long as you comply with our laws. If you fail to follow, we will deport you,” the BI chief added.