BI arrests 3 foreigners posing as Filipinos in Zamboanga

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) expressed concern over foreigners using illegally-acquired Philippine identities for potential espionage or criminal activities.

This week, BI intelligence operatives in Region 9 arrested three foreign nationals posing as Filipinos in Zamboanga del Sur during a series of inspections.

One suspect was involved in a charcoal business but failed to match the identity upon document inspection by BI and Philippine Army personnel.

Two others were found carrying Philippine driver's licenses indicating they are Filipinos, while another was discovered at a shopping center posing as a Filipino manager.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said these arrests are part of a drive against illegal aliens using fake identities, following President Marcos Jr.'s directive to prevent foreign threats.

All suspects were transferred to BI facilities in Taguig for deportation proceedings after initial inquiries by local police and the PSA is investigating how they obtained their IDs.