By Rowena T. Cruz Mayor Jose Ramil Arquiza issued a statement following the immigration operation. (Alabat PIO) ALABAT, Quezon - A coord...
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| Mayor Jose Ramil Arquiza issued a statement following the immigration operation. (Alabat PIO) |
ALABAT, Quezon - A coordinated law enforcement action targeting suspected unlawful foreign presence resulted in the apprehension of 42 individuals at a beach resort in Barangay Villa Norte, Alabat, Quezon province, on Wednesday morning. The joint operation involved the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), and the Calabarzon police.
The operation, which occurred on April 9, 2025, was carried out under Mission Order No. 2025-095, in accordance with Executive Order 287, series of 2000 – the directive concerning the verification and investigation of individuals suspected of being undocumented aliens. This mission order served as the basis for the action.
Following their apprehension at the Alabat resort, the 42 individuals were transported to the Police Regional Office 4A headquarters at Camp BGen Vicente Lim in Calamba City. Standard procedures for individuals taken into BI custody, including documentation and biometrics processing, are underway at this location.
The Bureau of Immigration has verified that the foreign nationals are currently in their custody as an investigation into their immigration status has begun. This process involves a thorough review of their travel documents and visa conditions.
While the specific nationalities of those detained have not yet been disclosed, the operation highlights the ongoing commitment of Philippine authorities to the enforcement of immigration laws. The action followed a prior verification and investigation conducted at the resort premises.
Details regarding the precise reasons for the investigation and the alleged violations leading to the arrests are expected to be released by the involved agencies as the inquiry progresses. Subsequently, Alabat's chief executive, Jose Ramil Arquiza, addressed local concerns in a public statement.
Arquiza explained that the operation, carried out by the Bureau of Immigration and the PNP-CIDG, was intended to verify reports of undocumented foreign nationals. He also addressed local speculation by denying any connection to a "pugo operation."
He further noted the municipality's cooperation with the Bureau of Immigration and the wind project company to confirm the status of Chinese nationals working as subcontractors. Their permit issuance was reportedly in progress.
He reassured Alabat residents of the municipality's diligence in ensuring all foreign nationals working on the island possess the necessary valid permits. This effort aimed to emphasize that Alabat would remain safe while development continues.
Through his statement, the mayor aimed to clear up any misinformation and reassure the community that the operation was a focused effort to address potential immigration issues. The statement also highlighted ongoing coordination to ensure the legal status of foreign workers and the continued safety of Alabat.
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