BI: Foreigners violating quarantine rules face deportation

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has warned  all foreign nationals in the country against non-compliance with the health protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) or risk being deported.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said on Tuesday that blatant disregard for rules and persons of authority may be a reason for their deportation.

“Aliens who disrespect persons of authority may be considered undesirable aliens.  Foreign nationals who disrespect symbols of our country and persons of authority are not welcome in the Philippines,” he added..

Metro Manila and the adjoining provinces of Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan and Rizal are currently under the strictest enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

It can be recalled that last year, a Spanish national was blacklisted for allegedly violating the ECQ  policies and for hurling expletives at Makati police.

Immigration Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said that they have received reports that some foreign executives of companies in the Philippines violate IATF protocols in their workplaces.

“We will be conducting an investigation on these reports, and if found with merit, will file immigration cases against aliens involved,” he added.

He further said  that immigration action against erring aliens is separate from criminal cases that may be filed against them by relevant authorities.