Boracay Chinese resto raided by BI for coddling illegal aliens

Boracay- Two Chinese nationals were arrested by Bureau of Immigration (BI) intelligence agents after being found working and managing a restaurant in the famous beach area of Boracay.

BI intelligence division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. reported that the arrest was conducted on Monday by operatives of the BI’s intelligence division (ID) Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 6 in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Navy, and the Malay Police Station.

The duo were identified as Zhang Ke, 34 and Li Jun, 40 who were found manning a Chinese beachfront restaurant in Station 2.

Zhang was found to be the owner of the said restaurant, despite holding an employment visa for a company based in Makati. Meanwhile, Li served as the cook, and was unable to present his immigration documents rendering him an undocumented alien.

The two were immediately flown to Manila for booking procedures. They arrived Manila on September 23, and were transferred to the BI’s facility in Taguig where they will remain as they face deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado lauded the swift coordination between the BI and law enforcement agencies in Boracay.

“We remain vigilant against foreign nationals who circumvent our laws by engaging in illegal work or managing businesses without proper authorization,” said Viado. “Boracay is a prime tourist destination, and we will not allow individuals to take advantage of our hospitality while violating immigration laws.”