Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros, Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ ALEXIS CORPUZ
MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested two overstaying and illegally working Chinese in Davao del Norte.
BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. identified the illegal aliens as Yuehui Li, 54,who was arrested in Purok 2 Mangga, New Visayas, Panabo City; and Jianren Zhao, 55, who was arrested in Bingcungan, Tagum City.
According to Manahan, the Chinese nationals were apprehended by the bureau’s Mindanao Intelligence Task Group (MITG) after BI Commissioner Jaime Morente issued a mission order for their arrest.
BI records revealed that apart from reportedly working in the country illegally, Li has also been overstaying in the country for two years now.
MITG head Melody Gonzales also reported to the BI that a Filipino who presented herself as Li’s translator attempted to intervene in the arrest.
The MITG then sought assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate the translator. Eventually, the translator admitted dishonesty and disclosed Li’s location.
Gonzales said they would pursue a case against the translator for coddling an illegal alien and obstruction of justice.
On the other hand, Zhao, who was found manning a hardware store in Tagum, was discovered to be overstaying in the country for three months.
“Those who harbor illegal aliens commit a violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940,” said Morente.
“Let this incident serve as a warning, if you are aware of illegal aliens in your area, immediately report them to the Bureau,” he added.
The two Chinese nationals were being held at the BI’s facility in Davao pending their deportation.
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