PRESS RELEASE

2019 November 05

BI Deports 294 Illegal Aliens

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it has

deported 294 Chinese nationals in two chartered flights earlier today at the Puerto Princesa
International Airport.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, in a statement, announced the deportation of said aliens

who were part of the 329 arrested in 8 different hotels and establishments last September 16
through an operation of BI Intelligence agents with the assistance of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines Western Command (WESCOM).

According to Fortunato Manahan, Chief of BI’s Intelligence Division, the aliens were
arrested for “violating the conditions of their stay by working in the country without the
necessary permits and visas.” Manahan added that flying out at the same time are 7 minors who
were also intercepted during the same operation. “Upon determination of their age, they were
ordered released. Custody has been turned over to the Chinese Embassy, and they have also
flown out today, bringing up the total number to 301.” said Manahan.

Manahan added that the passports of the 301 have also been cancelled by the Chinese
government, making them undocumented aliens.

The group is the first batch to leave among those arrested in Palawan. “There is a smaller
group of 17 that will all be flown to Manila, whose deportation order is already being processed,
while 11 have NBI hits—including the principal—hence we wait for the resolution of their local
cases before implementing deportation.

Before the implementation of their deportation, the group was temporarily detained in an
inn in Puerto Princesa, which was secured by BI and WESCOM agents.

Meanwhile, Morente reiterated his warning against illegal aliens hiding in the
country. “We are targeting big companies who so blatantly disregard our laws by hiring
improperly documented foreign nationals,” said Morente. “We welcome you to our country to
do business as long as you comply with our laws. If you fail to follow, we will deport you,” he
warned. #