The Bureau of Immigration deported 294 arrested Chinese nationals in two chartered flights at the Puerto Princesa International Airport on Wednesday morning.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the deportation of the aliens were part of the 329 arrested in 8 different hotels and establishments last September through an operation of BI Intelligence agents with the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command.
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 said that flying out at the same time are seven 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 on the same day with other Chinese citizens, bringing up the total number to 301.” said Manahan.
Manahan said that the passports of the 301 have also been canceled 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.