San isidro: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday announced the arrest of two foreigners for allegedly operating a resort business in Siargao while holding only tourist visas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that the two individuals-a 41-year-old New Zealand national and a 38-year-old Swiss national-were apprehended on July 1. The arrest was executed by operatives of the BI Intelligence Division's Mindanao Regional Intelligence Operations Unit during an enforcement operation at a resort in San Isidro, Siargao, Surigao del Norte.
In his statement, Viado explained that the operation was initiated following intelligence reports suggesting that the couple had been personally managing a homestay and caf©, and offering yoga sessions to guests without the necessary work visas or permits. To verify these claims, BI operatives posed as prospective clients interested in booking the entire resort for a team-building event.
During the undercover operation, one of the suspects reportedly met with the officers, provided a tour of the property, explained room rates and accommodation options, discussed yoga classes, and arranged the reservation. Investigators noted that these actions indicated the suspect's active involvement in the resort's daily operations.
Despite the suspects' claims of being only investors, BI investigators discovered that they had been directly managing the establishment and interacting with customers while residing in the country as temporary visitors. Viado emphasized that a tourist visa does not grant permission to work or run a business in the Philippines.
He further stated, "We welcome foreign visitors who respect our laws, but those who abuse the privilege of their stay by engaging in unauthorized employment or business activities will be arrested, deported, and barred from returning. No one is exempt from our immigration laws."
The two individuals are currently under BI custody and will face deportation proceedings for allegedly violating the conditions of their admission as temporary visitors.
