Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 28) — The Bureau of Immigration on Tuesday issued a stern warning to foreign nationals who violate the enhanced community quarantine rules.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said foreigners who disobey existing lockdown laws may face arrest and deportation.
“Aliens who blatantly disregard our laws, especially during this critical period, not only face criminal charges but also immigration deportation cases as well. If deported, alien offenders will be perpetually barred from returning to the country,” he said in a statement.
The warning came after a foreign national in Makati had a tussle with a police officer who questioned the resident’s helper for not wearing a face mask while watering plants outside the foreigner’s house. There was also a recent raid of an online gaming company employing illegal Chinese workers despite the COVID-19 lockdown.
Morente cited the Section 6 of Bayanihan to Heal as One Act states that alien offenders shall be penalized and deported.
Senator Ping Lacson on Monday called on the Bureau of Immigration to conduct a swift deportation proceeding against Makati resident Javier Parra. Meanwhile, BI is in the process of checking the personal records of 44 arrested Chinese POGO employees prior to filing deportation cases against them.
