By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested two foreign nationals accused of illegally operating a resort and coffee shop in Siargao while staying in the country on tourist visas, triggering deportation proceedings against the pair.
In a statement released Wednesday, the BI identified the suspects as 41-year-old New Zealand national Teryn Jane Spencer and 38-year-old Swiss national Dario Salvatore Di Capua, who were apprehended during an undercover operation conducted on July 1 in San Isidro, Surigao del Norte.
Immigration authorities said the operation stemmed from intelligence reports that the two foreigners had been actively managing a homestay and coffee shop despite lacking the work visas and permits required under Philippine immigration laws.
To verify the information, BI operatives posed as tourists seeking accommodations for an event. Investigators said Spencer personally welcomed the undercover agents, toured them around the property, explained room rates and accommodation packages, discussed yoga activities offered by the resort, and facilitated the booking process.
The BI said the encounter provided clear evidence that the suspects were directly involved in the day-to-day management and commercial operations of the establishment.
Although Spencer and Di Capua insisted they were merely investors, investigators found that they were personally dealing with guests and overseeing business operations while remaining in the Philippines under temporary visitor status.
Both foreigners were taken into BI custody and are now facing deportation for violating the conditions of their stay.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stressed that tourist visas do not authorize foreigners to work or engage in business activities in the country.
“The Philippines welcomes foreign visitors who respect our laws. However, those who abuse the privilege of their stay by engaging in unauthorized employment or business operations will be arrested, deported, and blacklisted from re-entering the country. Our immigration laws apply equally to everyone,” Viado said.
The arrests underscore the BI’s intensified crackdown on immigration violations in major tourist destinations, including Siargao, where authorities have stepped up enforcement against foreigners allegedly conducting unauthorized business activities.
ia/xf
