IMMIGRATION agents yesterday raided a Chinese restaurant in the popular tourist destination of Boracay, Aklan and arrested two Chinese working illegally in the establishment.
BI intelligence division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said that the operation that led to the arrest of Zhang Ke, 34; and Li Jun, 40, was carried out by the BI’s intelligence division in coordination with the Philippine Navy and the Malay, Aklan police station.
The two were found manning a Chinese beachfront restaurant in Boracay’s Station 2.
Manahan said Zhang was found to be the owner of the restaurant, despite holding an employment visa for a company based in Makati, while Li, who served as the cook, failed to present his immigration documents to the operatives, rendering him an undocumented foreigner.
The two were immediately flown to Manila for booking procedures and were transferred to the BI’s detention facility in Taguig, where they will remain pending deportation proceedings.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said they will continue their operations against foreigners who circumvent laws by engaging in illegal work or managing businesses without proper authorization.
“Boracay is a prime tourist destination, and we will not allow individuals to take advantage of our hospitality while violating immigration laws,” Viado added.
