THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) will continue to arrest foreigners engaged in illegal activities in the country despite complaints filed by a handful of Indian nationals.
BI chief Norman Tansingco made the statement after a group of Indian nationals reportedly filed a complaint against BI intelligence officers.
The complaints, filed before the National Prosecution Service in Pasay, alleged that 16 Indian nationals were unlawfully arrested in Antique and Iloilo by Immigration agents.
The Indians claimed that they hold valid 9 working visas, hence have not violated Immigration laws.
Tansingco justice the arrests as a result of complaints against them for reportedly engaging in usurious money-lending business called ‘5-6’, meaning 20-percent monthly interest on loans.
The BI shared a copy of the letter they received from the Antique provincial board, reporting the increasing number of Indian nationals in their area involved in 5-6, as well as kidnapping and drug trafficking.
Tansingco said they have also received reports from Iloilo about Indian nationals allegedly involved in violence, urging the BI to conduct appropriate operations.
A total of 10 Indians were arrested in the towns of Arevalo and Savana, Iloilo while six others were collared in San Jose, Antique.
Tansingco stressed that despite holding valid working visas, foreigners found not to be working for the petitioning company, working for fake companies, or engaging in activities that constitute undesirability, then they may still face deportation and blacklisting.
While Tansingco affirmed the legality of the arrest, he vowed to pursue a separate investigation on the allegations of extortion against the operatives.
“We will investigate this complaint and ensure that if found to be valid, erring employees will face the harshest penalty of law,” said Tansingco.
He however, stressed that the BI will not be cowered into ceasing actions against illegal aliens and foreign gangs reported be causing trouble in communities.
“We encourage local government units to continue reporting to us on illegal aliens that might be involved in illicit activities in your respective areas,” said Tansingco.
“We have our regional intelligence units intent on locating, arresting, and deporting these illegal aliens,” he added.