BI arrests 16 Indian nationals sans work permits

FILE PHOTO: Bureau of Immigration (BI) logo and building facade. INQUIRER / ALEXIS CORPUZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday said it arrested 16 Indian nationals for working without the proper permits.

Ten were arrested in Iloilo, while six others were arrested in Antique.

In addition, the BI said that the foreign nationals were allegedly engaged in illegal lending activities.

“Our investigation found that all of them were engaged in lending activities without the proper work permits while some of them are suspected of being illegal entrants for failure to present travel documents,” BI Intelligence Officer Jude Hinolan said.

“We are intensifying our crackdown against illegal aliens throughout the country, including those who live in the far-flung areas and make a living by engaging in illegal lending activities that prey on our poor countrymen,”  BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said said.

Currently, the Indian nationals are in the BI’s facility in Taguig, while awaiting deportation proceedings.