SAMPUNG dayuhan ang dinakip ng Bureau of Immigration (BI) sa serye ng ‘intelligence-driven operations’ na isinagawa sa Siargao Island nitong June 26 ng mga operatiba ng BI Intelligence Division Main Office at BI Intelligence Division Mindanao Intelligence Task Group, kasunod ng ulat mula sa local residents at business owners ukol sa mga banyaga na lumalabag sa Philippine immigration laws.
Ayon kay BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato ‘Jun’ Manahan, Jr., “the operations underscore the Bureau’s commitment to maintaining a strong intelligence presence in the country’s major tourist destinations, particularly areas experiencing a growing influx of foreign visitors.”
“Our intelligence personnel 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. Community cooperation played a crucial role in the successful operations,” ani Manahan.
Aniya, ang mga residente at local stakeholders ng Siargao ay aktibo sa pagre-report ng mga hinihinalang immigration violations, kaya’t nagagawa ng BI na mabilisang umakto at pangalagaan ang kaligtasan at integridad ng isa sa mga itinuturing na premier tourist destinations sa bansa.
Sa ulat ni BI Intelligence Division Mindanao Deputy Chief Melody Gonzales, ang mga inaresto ay kinabibilangan ng Israeli nationals na sina Ben Yeshaya Menahem Mendel Rafael at Aharon Ida, kapwa 22, na ‘overstaying and working without the appropriate visas and permits.’
“The two were reportedly employed at an Israeli restaurant and were also managing a Jewish center despite lacking the required immigration documents. They were likewise unable to present their passports during the operation,” aniya.
Ang Israeli national naman na si Abeve Tewabel, 23, ay dinakip sa pagta-trabaho nang walang proper documentation at isang undesirable alien matapos maaresto dati ng local authorities habang ang Israeli din na si Etay Harari, 51, ay inaresto dahil sa pagta-trabaho bilang disc jockey nang walang work authorization.
Arestado din ang Moroccan national na si Larbi Oirdi, 23, na nahaharap sa immigration charges bilang undesirable alien kaugnay ng dating pagkakaaresto para sa unjust vexation, direct assault, serious resistance at disobedience.
Ang Australian national na si Lauren Elizabeth Fornazieri, 34, ay dinakip naman dahil sa pananatili sa bansa ng siyam na taon at pagta-trabaho sa isang hotel sa Siargao nanag walang valid immigration status.
Ang Nigerian national na si Bill James Augustine, 27, ay hinuli sa iligal na pagta-trabaho bilang dog trainer, habang si Lithuanian national Edgar Drozdov, 39, ay nagma-manage umano ng resort at isang food delivery rider nang wala ding required permits.
Arestado din ang Chinese nationals na sina Zhu Guifu, 36 at Chen Anqi, 31, na natunton sa isang surf resort. Kapwa sila “overstaying and with existing blacklist records arising from previous immigration violations.”
Lahat sila ay naka-detine sa BI detention facility sa Maynila, kung saan sila mananatili habang nasailalim saw immigration proceedings.
