BI arrests Cameroonian, Turkish, Italian nationals in nationwide crackdown on immigration violators

BAGUIO CITY—In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security and ensure that foreign nationals comply with Philippine immigration laws, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested three foreign nationals in separate operations across Luzon and Visayas for immigration violations.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the apprehended foreign nationals as 35-year-old Cameroonian Henri Joel Atanga Betayene, 53-year-old Turkish national Murat Fentci, and 60-year-old Italian national Mario Angelai.

The arrests were carried out on July 1 and 2 by operatives of the BI Intelligence Division and its Regional Intelligence Operations Units in separate enforcement operations in Cainta, Rizal; Sagbayan, Bohol; and Baguio City.

Betayene was apprehended at a subdivision in Cainta after intelligence operatives confirmed that he had overstayed in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Fentci was arrested in Barangay Canmaya Diot, Sagbayan, Bohol after verification showed that he had likewise remained in the country beyond his authorized period of stay.

In Baguio City, intelligence operatives arrested Angelai, who was caught working as a chef at a local restaurant despite holding only a tourist visa. The operation was conducted after officers conducted surveillance and verified that the foreign national was actively employed without the appropriate work visa or permit.

“Our message is clear: foreign nationals are welcome in the Philippines, but they must respect our immigration laws,” said Viado. “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.”

Viado commended the Bureau’s Intelligence Division and its regional operatives for sustaining enforcement operations beyond Metro Manila, saying the arrests demonstrate the BI’s strengthened intelligence capability and coordination with local law enforcement agencies in detecting and apprehending immigration violators wherever they may be found.

The three foreign nationals were brought to BI custody for booking and documentation and will undergo deportation proceedings for violating the Philippine Immigration Act.