BI warns condo owners vs harboring illegal foreigners

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday warned condominium owners against harboring illegal foreign nationals after Sen. Risa Hontiveros reported that some condominiums in Metro Manila are being used in crypto currency scam operations.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said condominium owners who fail to report the illicit activities of their foreign tenants could be deemed to be harboring illegal aliens, which is a criminal offense and punishable with 10 years in prison under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.

“If there are illegal aliens in your vicinity, report them to the immigration or to law enforcement agencies. Protectors of foreigners involved in illegal activities in the country are also liable,” Tansingco said in a statement.

He admitted that both local enforcement agencies and the BI are having difficulty in entering condominium buildings since these are residential areas unlike offices of companies, which they can easily inspect.

Tansingco reminded condominium owners that fighting human trafficking is a responsibility of both the government and the people.

He said the government’s efforts in curbing human trafficking are “working” after the Department of Foreign Affairs reported that fewer Filipinos are seeking repatriation.