BI Intensifies Crackdown: Raids, Arrests of Illegal Foreign Workers Nationwide

BI Intensifies Crackdown: Raids, Arrests of Illegal Foreign Workers Nationwide

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | May 21, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has escalated its campaign against illegal foreign workers, apprehending twenty-eight foreign nationals in targeted operations across Davao de Oro, Pasay City, and Pampanga between April 22 and May 8.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado affirmed the agency’s resolve, stating, “Foreign nationals abusing their stay in the Philippines through illegal business, environmental destruction, and other unlawful activities will be arrested and deported.” He emphasized, “These operations underscore the BI’s commitment to national security and the strict enforcement of immigration laws.”

The most significant operation, conducted on April 22 in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, and Tagum City, Davao del Norte, saw BI operatives from the Regional Intelligence Operations Unit (RIOU)-Mindanao and Intelligence Division Main, supported by military intelligence teams, arrest twenty Chinese nationals. These arrests occurred at an alleged illegal mining site and an associated warehouse.

Sixteen Chinese nationals were apprehended at the mining site in Brgy. Napnapan, with an additional four arrested at a nearby warehouse and loading site in Brgy. Apokon. Authorities reported that the individuals were working without appropriate visas and were further deemed undesirable after the discovery of numerous explosive components, including ammonium nitrate, dynamite, blasting caps, and detonators. Dried seahorses, a protected wildlife species under Philippine environmental laws, were also recovered.

Separately, on May 7, BI intelligence agents arrested six foreign nationals – four Chinese and two Bangladeshis – during an operation at a mall in Baclaran, Pasay City. These individuals were found engaging in retail trade activities, allegedly in violation of their visa conditions. The operation was coordinated with the Southern Police District.

In a distinct operation on May 8, BI agents from RIOU-3 apprehended sixty-six-year-old Pakistani national Ahmed Mushtaq at a residence in Brgy. Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. Mushtaq, who failed to produce any immigration documents, admitted to being the subject of a BI mission order and was subsequently arrested for overstaying and being undocumented.

The arrested foreigners face charges for violating Philippine immigration laws and remain in BI Jail pending deportation proceedings.