BI nabs 10 foreigners in Siargao

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration has arrested 10 foreigners in Siargao for illegally working in the country and other violations of immigration laws, the BI announced.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrests stemmed from complaints filed by local residents and business owners.

Nabbed in the operation were four Israelis, two Chinese, a Moroccan, Australian, Nigerian and Lithuanian.

Melody Gonzales, BI intelligence division-Mindanao deputy chief, said Israelis Ben Yeshaya Menahem Mendel Rafael and Aharon Ida were arrested for overstaying and working without the appropriate visas and permits.

Rafael and Ida were reportedly employed in an Israeli restaurant and managing a Jewish center despite lacking the required immigration documents.

Gonzales said the other two Israelis, Abeve Tewabel and Etay Harari, were apprehended for working without authorization.

Tewabel was tagged as an undesirable alien following a previous arrest by local authorities, Gonzales added.

The BI said Zhu Guifu and Chen Anqi, both Chinese, were apprehended in a surf resort for overstaying. The two had existing blacklist records arising from previous immigration violations, the agency added.

Also apprehended were Larbi Oirdi, a Moroccan who is facing immigration charges as an undesirable alien in connection with his previous arrest for unjust vexation, direct assault, serious resistance and disobedience; Australian Lauren Elizabeth Fornazieri for overstaying; Nigerian Bill James Augustine for illegally working as a dog trainer, and Lithuanian Edgar Drozdov for working as a food delivery rider without the required permits.

Fortunato Manahan Jr., BI intelligence division-Mindanao chief, said the arrests underscore the bureau’s commitment to maintaining a strong intelligence presence in major tourist destinations.

“We continuously monitor reports from local communities and work closely with partner law enforcement agencies to ensure that foreign nationals comply with Philippine laws while enjoying the country’s tourist destinations,” Manahan said.

Viado said that while Filipinos are known for hospitality and are welcoming of  visitors, foreigners should not cross the line and violate immigration laws.

All 10 foreigners are being held at the BI detention facility in Manila while waiting for their deportation.