In a concerted effort to uphold immigration laws, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has successfully apprehended two foreign nationals in separate operations conducted in Bohol and Cebu. The arrests, which took place on Thursday, involved Chinese national Dong Chengzhi, aged 27, and Japanese national Takeshi Nishiyama, aged 48, both of whom were found to have overstayed their authorized period in the Philippines.
The operation in Bohol saw BI operatives from the Intelligence Division, working alongside the Panglao Municipal Police, arrest Dong Chengzhi in the Doljo area of Panglao. Simultaneously, in Cebu, Takeshi Nishiyama was apprehended in the Kasambagan area with the assistance of the Mabolo Police Station. These coordinated efforts underscore the BI’s commitment to maintaining strict enforcement of immigration regulations across the country.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the significance of these arrests in a news release issued on Friday. He stated that the bureau’s vigilance in tracking down and apprehending overstaying foreign nationals is a testament to their dedication to ensuring compliance with visa regulations. Viado further warned that violators of immigration laws would face legal repercussions, reinforcing the BI’s stance against any disregard for these regulations.
The issue of overstaying foreign nationals is a persistent challenge for the Philippines, as it is for many countries. Overstaying can lead to a variety of issues, including strain on public resources and potential security concerns. The BI’s proactive approach in addressing this issue is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the country’s immigration system.
Both Dong Chengzhi and Takeshi Nishiyama are currently being held in BI custody as they await the resolution of their deportation cases. The process of deportation can be lengthy and involves several legal steps, including hearings and appeals, which can delay the final outcome. The BI’s role in these proceedings is to ensure that all legal protocols are followed and that the rights of the individuals involved are respected.
The arrests in Bohol and Cebu serve as a reminder to all foreign nationals in the Philippines to adhere to the terms of their visas. The BI continues to encourage those who may have overstayed to voluntarily surrender and rectify their status to avoid legal consequences. This approach not only helps in managing the immigration system more effectively but also fosters a cooperative relationship between the BI and the foreign community in the Philippines.