PH Immigration to deport 4 Indian nationals nabbed in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday said it has arrested four Indian nationals for working as money lenders with expired and invalid visas in Mindanao.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the four Indian nationals were arrested on Dec. 3 at Purok Malakas, Brgy. San Isidro in General Santos City in an operation jointly launched by operatives from the Mindanao Intelligence task group of Immigration’s intelligence division and the Philippine National Police.
Morente said the operation against illegal aliens in Mindanao was conducted following complaints about foreigners engaged in a “5-6” lending scheme in the area.
The operatives initially rounded up 10 Indian nationals but six were recommended for release after they presented valid visas.
“However, we have recommended that the six still undergo further investigation to verify if they are still working with the companies that petitioned their visas,” said BI intelligence officer Melody Gonzales, who led the arresting team.
“The other four Indians presented expired and invalid visas and were found to be working as money lenders,” the bureau added.
The four arrested foreigners are presently detained at the Immigration district office in Davao City pending deportation proceedings.
The bureau, meanwhile, called on the public to help in its campaign against foreigners who violate the country’s immigration laws.
“We reiterate our appeal to the public not to hesitate in reporting the presence of illegal aliens in any part of the country, including the far-flung areas of the country,” Morente said.