Cops swoop down on “illegal” aliens

CEBU, Philippines - A total of 33 foreigners, 23 Chinese and 10 Russians, were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration for the past two days on the suspicion of being undocumented and illegal aliens. However, 20 of them were later released after their papers were found to be in order.

BI special assistant for intelligence Faizal Hussin said that they arrested 23 Chinese nationals in a mall in downtown Cebu last Monday. Twenty of the foreigners were minding stalls in the mall while the other three were shopping.

The arrest of these Chinese nationals was made in coordination policemen from the Waterfront Police Station.

"We need to coordinate with the police every time there is a crackdown para ma blotter talaga then properly recorded," Hussin added.

Waterfront chief Chief Insp. Wildemar Tiu said to avoid curious customers and commotion, they approached the foreigners one by one and gathered them in a van parked outside the mall.

Tiu said one of those arrested, a man, tried to hide and walk away, while an arrested woman fainted but later regained consciousness.

"The operation lasted for only two minutes and 45 seconds at the mall. Nag-briefing g'yud mi ani para wala'y commotion mahitabo," he further said.

Tiu said that prior to carrying out the raid, a surveillance was conducted on the Chinese nationals as per request of the BI to conduct verification and investigation on the aliens violating Section 37 of the Philippine Immigration Laws within his jurisdiction.

Elements of the Regional Intelligence Division-7 led by Insp. Romeo Sentinta also assisted in the raid.

Around 7 p.m. on the same day 20 of them were released, except for three who were found overstaying in the country. BI special prosecutor for the Task Force Alien Mapping Jing Oliver Balina said that the three were allowed time to process their documents and extend their stay here.

The task force also arrested 10 Russians working in a travel agency in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday around 11 a.m. for allegedly working without the required visa.

Hussin said only six were seen working inside the travel company while the other four were reportedly guests of the latter.

They are now detained at BI-Cebu office in Mandaue City.

"We are giving them due process by showing us proof that they have all the necessary documents. Otherwise, they will be deported, which is the penalty for working without visa," said Balina.

Hussin advised foreigners here to always bring their passports with them.

To recall, the BI launched the alien mapping program early this year to keep track of the influx of foreigners in the country, check the status of their stay and enhance the bureau's revenue.

Hussin added that last October 20, they arrested 16 illegal aliens in Bacolod.

"Kung wala talagang problema yung mga foreigners dito sa papers nila or sa passport nila, they have nothing to fear if they are properly documented," Hussin added.

Hussin added that foreigners who will be arrested for overstaying will be given a chance to extend their stay by filing a visa extension if they have not overstayed for two years.

"We are conducting a continuous nationwide crackdown of illegal aliens," he said, adding that he expects more undocumented or overstaying foreigners will be arrested. — /BRP (FREEMAN)