Manila: on Monday reported the arrest of three foreign nationals in separate operations in Luzon and the Visayas for alleged immigration violations. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified those arrested as 35-year-old Cameroonian Henri Joel Atanga Betayene, 53-year-old Turkish national Murat Fentci, and 60-year-old Italian national Mario Angelai.

According to Philippines News Agency, the arrests were carried out by operatives of the BI Intelligence Division and its Regional Intelligence Operations Units in Cainta, Rizal; Sagbayan, Bohol; and Baguio City on July 1 and 2. Betayene was arrested in a subdivision in Cainta after authorities confirmed that he had overstayed in the country. Fentci was apprehended in Barangay Canmaya Diot, Sagbayan, Bohol for the same violation.

Meanwhile, Angelai was arrested in Baguio City after immigration operatives found him working as a chef at a local restaurant despite holding only a tourist visa. Viado said the arrests reflect the bureau's intensified intelligence operations and coordination with local law enforcement agencies.

"Our message is clear: foreign nationals are welcome in the Philippines, but they must respect our immigration laws," the BI chief said. "Those who overstay, work without the proper visa, or violate the conditions of their stay will be apprehended and subjected to deportation proceedings. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations nationwide to protect the integrity of our immigration system," he added.

The three foreign nationals are now under BI custody and will undergo deportation proceedings for alleged violations of the Philippine Immigration Act.