BI Crackdown: South Africans, Pakistani, Chinese Nationals Arrested

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado

BI Crackdown: South Africans, Pakistani, Chinese Nationals Arrested

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 18, 2026

NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines – In a series of coordinated intelligence operations stretching from Nueva Ecija to Iloilo, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has apprehended four foreign nationals – a South African, a Pakistani, and two Chinese citizens – for alleged violations of Philippine immigration laws.

The arrests, conducted on February 12 and 13, underscore the Marcos Jr. administration’s renewed commitment to stringent immigration enforcement and ensuring compliance among foreign residents.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the Bureau’s unwavering dedication to upholding the integrity of the country’s immigration policies.

“Foreign nationals who choose to stay and work in the Philippines must comply with the conditions of their visas,” Viado stated. “We will not tolerate violations of our immigration laws. Those who disregard our rules will face arrest and deportation.”

The initial operation unfolded at Camp Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, targeting suspected violations of working visa conditions.

According to BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., the BI regional intelligence operating unit (RIOU) 3, acting on a mission order issued by the Commissioner, collaborated with the Military Police to execute the operation.

The focus of the investigation was Faaiz Ameer Garnie, a 32-year-old South African national. Garnie was apprehended while allegedly working as a project manager for a company different from the one that sponsored his 9G working visa.

Authorities report that Garnie was unable to produce his passport or relevant immigration documents during the inspection.

“Our operatives found Mr. Garnie actively engaged in project management activities at the site,” Manahan Jr. explained. “His inability to provide proper documentation raised immediate red flags, leading to his arrest.”

Adding another layer to the investigation, authorities also discovered Imran Khattak, a Pakistani national, working at the same site as an operations specialist.

Khattak was taken into custody for allegedly working without a valid working visa, further highlighting potential systemic violations within the company.

The following day, February 13, BI Intelligence Division operatives extended their crackdown to Iloilo, targeting two Chinese nationals suspected of overstaying and violating the conditions of their stay.

The individuals were identified as Wang Jiabai, also known as Kevin Wang, 43, and Wang Libi, also known as Lisa, 46.

RIOU 6 operatives executed coordinated operations in Balasan and Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, prompted by intelligence reports alleging unauthorized employment activities by foreign nationals.

Wang Jiabai was discovered managing a business establishment in Balasan, despite lacking a valid visa extension. BI records confirmed that he had exceeded his authorized period of stay in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Wang Libi was apprehended in Barotac Nuevo after allegedly working for a company different from her petitioning employer. She also reportedly failed to present a valid passport or immigration documents during the inspection.

Both Wang Jiabai and Wang Libi were informed of their constitutional rights before being taken into custody and transported to Manila. They are currently being held at the BI Warden Facility, awaiting deportation proceedings.

These arrests represent a significant escalation in the BI’s efforts to enforce immigration laws and combat illegal foreign employment.

The operations signal a clear message to foreign nationals residing and working in the Philippines: strict adherence to immigration regulations is paramount, and violations will be met with swift and decisive action.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding these cases to determine the extent of any potential broader network of immigration violations.