SURIGAO CITY (June 30) — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested 10 foreign nationals in a sweeping operation against immigration violators in Siargao Island, amid intensified efforts to curb the illegal stay and employment of foreigners in one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Monday that operatives from the BI Intelligence Division Main Office and the Mindanao Intelligence Task Group conducted a series of coordinated operations across Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.
The crackdown targeted foreign nationals suspected of overstaying, working without proper authorization, or facing previous immigration violations.
The operations were launched following intelligence reports and complaints from residents and business owners alleging that some foreigners were illegally living and working on the island.
BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the arrests reflect the agency’s intensified intelligence and monitoring efforts in key tourism destinations that have seen a growing influx of foreign visitors.
He credited local residents for helping authorities identify suspected violators, saying community cooperation was instrumental in the success of the operations by providing information that allowed immigration personnel to act swiftly.
The Bureau of Immigration has not yet disclosed the nationalities of those arrested or the specific immigration offenses they allegedly committed. The foreign nationals are expected to undergo immigration proceedings to determine their liabilities and possible deportation.
