AKLAN – Immigration operatives raided a beachfront restaurant in Station 2, Boracay, resulting in the arrest of two Chinese nationals allegedly working and managing the establishment without proper permits.
In a report posted on its official Facebook page, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the operation was conducted on Monday, September 22, by its Intelligence Division–Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 6, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Navy, and the Malay Police Station.
The arrested foreigners were identified as Zhang Ke, 34, and Li Jun, 40.
BI Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said Zhang was found to be the restaurant’s owner despite holding only an employment visa tied to a Makati-based company. Li, meanwhile, was caught cooking inside the restaurant and failed to present valid immigration documents, classifying him as an undocumented alien.
Both were flown to Manila on September 23 for booking procedures before being transferred to the BI detention facility in Taguig City. Deportation proceedings were underway as of writing.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado lauded the swift operation and strong inter-agency coordination that led to the arrests.
“We remain vigilant against foreign nationals who circumvent our laws by engaging in illegal work or managing businesses without proper authorization,” Viado said. “Boracay is a prime tourist destination, and we will not allow individuals to take advantage of our hospitality while violating immigration laws.”
The BI has intensified enforcement operations in Boracay following repeated reports of foreigners illegally working in businesses catering to tourists. Authorities warned that such activities not only undermine Philippine immigration policies but also displace legitimate local workers.
Viado stressed that the agency will continue cracking down on foreigners exploiting loopholes in immigration law.
“Our mandate is clear — to protect the integrity of our borders and ensure that those staying in the country are doing so legally,” he added./PN
