Philippine Immigration

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has fined three foreign commercial models P30,000 each for working in the country without the proper work permits.

BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan imposed the fine on the foreigners last Friday hours after the bureau’s operatives arrested them for performing as ramp models in a fashion show held at the SMX convention center of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Those who were fined after being arrested on the strength of a mission order issued by Libanan were Samuel James Anderson, 26, an American; Claudio Andres Sisa Izaguirre, 25, an Argentinian; and Bernardo Esteban Arriagada Belmar, 22, a Chilean.

Even as Libanan fined the three foreigners who were later released, he warned them that a repetition of their offense will merit a more severe penalty in the future, particularly their summary deportation and inclusion in the immigration blacklist.

The BI chief also warned other foreign entertainers who are engaged or are about to engage in gainful activity in the Philippines to secure the required work permits and visas, lest they too will be arrested for violating the country’s immigration laws.

He reiterated his warning to all foreigners, including entertainers, models and athletes, that there are no sacred cows in the bureau’s campaign against illegally working aliens.

It was gathered that all three foreigners were fined for violating the conditions of their stay as tourists and that one of them was already overstaying.

Libanan thus ordered them to update and regularize their stay with a stern warning that a repeat of their acts shall be severely dealt with.

Meanwhile, BI law enforcement division chief Wilfredo Poquez denied a news report that the models were manhandled by his men when they were arrested.

Poquez said it is not true that his men acted like thugs, adding that all BI operatives are properly trained on the ethics of their job as enforcers of Philippine immigration laws.

“Prior to every operation, I always remind my men to be always polite and courteous in serving mission orders on foreigners. I will never tolerate any of them to defy this instruction,” Poquez said. (BI News)