Authorities arrested in Mindanao five Indian nationals for their involvement in a ‘5-6’ loan scheme and for violating Immigration laws.
Arrested in Davao City last Feb 4. were Darshna Devi, Gurbhej Singh Toor, Lovepreet Singh Waring, Amarjit Singh Toor, and Sukhmander Singh.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the foreigners were apprehended during operations conducted by his men from Intelligence Division Mindanao Task Group (MTG) headed by Intelligence Officer Melody Gonzales.
Morente said he issued a mission order authorizing the Immigration agents to mount the operation after his office received a complaint from Davao City residents alleging that the Indians were engaged in the notorious “5-6” lending business.
“They are now detained at our detention facility while undergoing deportation proceedings,” the BI chief added, as he exhorted the public not to hesitate in reporting to the bureau the presence of illegal aliens in their neighborhoods and communities.
Morente warned illegal aliens that the long arm of the law will eventually catch them even if they live in the far flung areas.
It was learned that four of the Indians are overstaying aliens while the other one is an illegal entrant, having no record of arrival.
BI acting Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the Indians were arrested at their residences in Bgy. Cabantian, Buhangin, Davao City after failed to present proof of their legal residence in the country.
“They entered the country as mere tourists but they blatantly violated our immigration laws by overstaying and engaging in gainful activity without the appropriate permits and visa,” Manahan added.
The government had warned those who engage in the 5-6 loan scheme to stop abusing the poor people. The loan sharks charge borrowers to as high as 20-percent interest rates and typically do business under illegal conditions as they are unlicensed lenders.