By Jun Ramirez
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported Tuesday back to their country 301 Chinese nationals in two chartered flights at the Puerto Princesa International Airport.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the aliens were part of the 329 arrested in eight different hotels and establishments here last September 16 through an operation of BI intelligence agents with the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (WESCOM).
BI Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan said the aliens were arrested for “violating the conditions of their stay by working in the country without the necessary permits and visas.”
Manahan added that flying out at the same time are seven minors who were also intercepted during the same operation.
“Upon determination of their age, they were ordered released. Custody has been turned over to the Chinese Embassy, and they have also flown out, bringing the total number deportees to 301,” said Manahan.
Manahan added that the passports of the 301 aliens have also been cancelled by the Chinese government, making them undocumented.
The group is the first batch to leave among those arrested in Palawan.
“There is a smaller group of 17 that will all be flown to Manila, whose deportation order is already being processed, while 11 have NBI hits, hence we wait for the resolution of their local cases before deportation, " Manahan added.