MANILA—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the arrest of four Chinese nationals in two separate operations in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, on November 6, for violations of Philippine immigration laws.

The arrests were carried out by the BI’s Regional Intelligence Operations Unit (RIOU) in line with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure strict compliance by foreign nationals with immigration regulations.

The first two individuals, Jiang Zhengwei, 43, and Chen Zhengji, 41, were apprehended at a restaurant in Barangay Bayog, Burgos. Both were found working for companies other than their registered petitioning employer and had failed to report their change of residence.

In a subsequent operation, Li Shihan, 45, and Long Litao, 33, were arrested in Barangay Poblacion, Burgos, for similar offenses. They were employed by a company in Ilocos Norte despite being petitioned by a firm based in Taguig City.

The operations were conducted by BI RIOU 1 and the main office, in coordination with the Philippine Navy, the National Bureau of Investigation in Laoag, and the Burgos Municipal Police Station.

The four were informed of their constitutional rights and placed in BI custody at the BI Warden Facility in Bicutan, Taguig City, for booking, documentation, and verification.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado praised the intelligence units and law enforcement partners, highlighting the Bureau’s nationwide vigilance.

“These operations show that our enforcement work extends to every part of the country. Foreign nationals who violate the terms of their stay and abuse the hospitality of the Philippines will be apprehended and deported,” Viado said.

The Bureau reiterated its call for all foreign nationals to strictly comply with immigration regulations, particularly regarding visa conditions and declared residence.