BORACAY, Philippines — Two Chinese nationals were arrested by Bureau of Immigration (BI) intelligence agents for allegedly working and managing a restaurant in the resort island without proper permits.

BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the operation was carried out Monday by the Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 6 in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Navy, and the Malay Police Station.

The suspects were identified as Zhang Ke, 34, and Li Jun, 40, who were found manning a Chinese beachfront restaurant in Station 2.

Zhang was discovered to be the restaurant’s owner despite only holding an employment visa for a company based in Makati. Li, who served as the cook, failed to present immigration documents and was classified as an undocumented alien.

The two were flown to Manila on September 23 for booking procedures and later transferred to the BI facility in Taguig, where they will remain while facing deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado commended the coordinated effort between the bureau and law enforcement agencies.

“We remain vigilant against foreign nationals who circumvent our laws by engaging in illegal work or managing businesses without proper authorization,” Viado said. “Boracay is a prime tourist destination, and we will not allow individuals to take advantage of our hospitality while violating immigration laws.”