An American executive of a business process outsourcing (BPO) company in Cagayan de Oro City has been arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) after he was found “illegally working” in the country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado identified him as Carl Niesen, 47 years old.
Citing a report from BI Intelligence Division (ID) Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., the bureau said that Niesen failed to present his passport and only presented an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR-I Card).
However, the BI said that the ACR-I Card does not authorize the employment of a foreigner in the Philippines.
Thus, it said, Niesen was clearly misrepresenting his stay in the Philippines by working as a company head without the proper documentation, a violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.
Niesen is now in BI custody pending his deportation.
Viado said that based on President Marcos’ order, “we are making it clear that the Philippines will not tolerate foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality.”
“Whether ordinary workers or top executives, everyone is accountable if they violate our laws,” he declared.