BI Intensifies Crackdown On Foreigners, Arrests 8

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado

BI Intensifies Crackdown On Foreigners, Arrests 8

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 9, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has ramped up its enforcement efforts, arresting eight foreign nationals in a string of operations across the country in recent weeks.

The foreigners were nabbed for various violations ranging from overstaying and unauthorized employment to fugitive status and interference with law enforcement.

The operations have underscored the BI’s commitment to upholding Philippine immigration laws and safeguarding national security.

Taiwanese Fugitive Collared in Pasay

The crackdown began in Pasay City on Jan. 28, where agents from the BI Fugitive Search Unit, in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation–Organized and Transnational Crime Division, apprehended Chien Wen-Chieh, 33, a Taiwanese national wanted for theft in his home country.

Chien was arrested along Roxas Boulevard based on an official communication from Taiwanese authorities and a subsequent mission order.

According to BI records, Chien entered the Philippines in 2023 as a temporary visitor but failed to extend or convert his visa, rendering him an overstaying alien.

The BI deemed his continued presence a risk to public safety and security.

Chien is currently detained at the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility pending deportation proceedings.

Indian Nationals Arrested for Interference in Antipolo City

Just a day later, on Jan. 29, the BI Intelligence Division arrested two Indian nationals, Sukhbir Singh, 28, and Sawan Singh, 30, in Antipolo City.

The operation, conducted by the BI Regional Intelligence Operations Unit IV and the Special Response Team, targeted Sukhbir Singh at his residence in Barangay San Jose.

The arrest of Sawan Singh stemmed from his alleged interference with the operation.

According to the BI, Sawan Singh attempted to bribe officers during the arrest of Sukhbir Singh, an action that was immediately refused and resulted in his own apprehension.

Both individuals were taken to the BI main office in Manila for processing.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has warned that “those who try to interfere with legitimate BI operations will face sanctions.”

Tacloban Operation Uncovers Unauthorized Employment

The BI’s enforcement efforts extended to Tacloban City, Leyte, on Jan. 29, where the FSU, in coordination with multiple intelligence and law enforcement agencies, arrested two Chinese nationals, Zhu Fulin, 51, and Wu Huoyan, 53, for unauthorized employment and overstaying in the country.

The pair were apprehended at an e-bike commercial establishment in Barangay 91, Abucay.

Authorities found that both were overstaying their visas and engaged in unauthorized employment despite being on tourist status.

Zhu Fulin failed to present valid immigration documents, while Wu Huoyan allegedly attempted to misrepresent himself as a Filipino citizen by presenting a Philippine identification card.

Viado emphasized the BI’s zero-tolerance policy toward foreigners who abuse the country’s immigration system.

“We will not tolerate foreigners who overstay, misrepresent themselves, or illegally engage in work at the expense of our laws and our people,” he said.

Zamboanga, Kalinga Operations Target Illegal Business Activities

The BI’s crackdown continued this month, with three separate operations conducted in Zamboanga City and Tabuk City in Kalinga, resulting in the arrest of several Chinese nationals for violating immigration laws.

In Zamboanga City, Rongtian Shi, 40, was arrested on Feb. 2 while actively managing a cellphone and accessories store.

Authorities found discrepancies in his working visa, which was petitioned by a company in Quezon City.

On the same day in Tabuk City, Huang Xilai, 57, was apprehended inside a commercial establishment for overstaying and working without an appropriate visa or permit.

He was personally managing store operations and performing cashier duties.

In a separate operation also in Tabuk City, BI operatives arrested Huang Huifang, 51; Huang Menggui, 24; and Huang Mengjiao, 28, inside a commercial establishment for similar violations, including overstaying, engaging in gainful occupation without proper authorization, working outside the scope of their visa petition, and being undocumented.

All arrested foreign nationals have been transported to Manila for processing and are facing preliminary investigation and possible deportation proceedings.

Viado reiterated the BI’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and curbing illegal foreign employment.

“The Bureau of Immigration remains firm in its mandate to go after foreign nationals who abuse their stay and violate Philippine laws. These enforcement actions are part of our continuing efforts to protect national security and safeguard jobs for Filipinos,” he said.