The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Chinese national found engaging in business operations without proper documentation during an enforcement operation in Buug, Zamboanga del Sur.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said that the subject, identified as Jianhong Liu, 52, a Chinese national from Jinjiang, China, was apprehended on January 20 at a commercial establishment in Barangay Sampaguita after authorities confirmed his presence and verified his immigration status. Liu was reportedly acting as the manager of the business and was actively attending to customers at the time of the operation.
During the verification, Liu admitted that his passport was not in his possession and claimed it was in Manila. He was only able to present a digital copy of his passport data page on his mobile phone. Further checks revealed that he was in violation of Philippine immigration laws.
Liu was informed of the nature of his violations and of his rights in a language he could understand. He was subsequently taken to the local police station for proper documentation and further proceedings.
Sandoval said the BI reiterates its call for business owners and foreign nationals to ensure full compliance with immigration requirements to avoid penalties, arrest, and possible deportation.
The arrest is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and ensure that all foreign nationals in the country strictly comply with Philippine laws, particularly those governing immigration and employment, she added.
