The Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended 39 foreign nationals during a joint operation at a major telecommunications company in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, on May 29.
Operatives from the BI Intelligence Division, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Southern Police District (PNP SPD), focused on a major telecommunications company where the foreign nationals, reportedly all Chinese, were found working in violation of Philippine immigration laws.
Initial reports indicated that the individuals failed to present valid travel documents during the raid, classifying them as undocumented aliens under Philippine law.
Authorities later confirmed that while the foreign nationals possessed working visas, these were issued under a different company’s petition, thus breaching the conditions of their stay.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines must adhere to all legal and procedural requirements.
"Those who enter under false pretenses or switch employers without proper authorization will face the full force of the law,” said Viado.
"This operation sends a strong message: the BI will not tolerate violations that threaten our national security and undermine our immigration system,” he further noted.
The arrested individuals underwent standard booking procedures and were transferred to the BI detention facility in Bicutan, where they will remain pending deportation proceedings.
