Manila: Five foreign nationals were arrested for overstaying and lack of work permits in a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted across Central Luzon, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Monday. In a coordinated effort, BI operatives apprehended individuals from India, China, and South Korea during operations across several provinces.

According to Philippines News Agency, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the overstaying foreigners as Indian nationals Sahil Kumar, 23, and Sharendran Doss Devadoss, 29; Chinese national Huang Pengpeng, 39; and South Korean nationals Jin Su Deok, 51, and Oh Eiseok, 49. These individuals were apprehended in separate operations conducted in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Zambales, and Pampanga from July 30 to 31.

Kumar was arrested in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, after BI intelligence operatives verified that he had overstayed in the country and failed to present a valid passport or immigration document. Residents in the area also alleged that he had been engaged in an illegal lending business.

Devadoss was apprehended in Balagtas, Bulacan, after failing to present any valid passport or immigration documents during verification. BI records further confirmed that he had overstayed his authorized stay.

In Subic, Zambales, BI operatives arrested Huang after verification showed that he had remained in the country beyond his authorized stay. Both Jin and Oh were arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga, after they were caught actively managing a restaurant despite lacking the appropriate visa and work authorization. The two failed to present valid immigration documents when inspected by operatives.

The five foreign nationals were brought to the Bureau's main office in Manila for booking, documentation, and the commencement of deportation proceedings. "We will not allow the Philippines to become a haven for foreigners who deliberately violate our immigration laws," Viado stated. He emphasized that those who overstay, work without authority, or hide their true immigration status will be located through intelligence-driven operations, arrested, and deported in accordance with the law. Such operations will continue nationwide to protect the integrity of the country's borders.