Following Makati incident, BI reminds foreigners to obey ECQ laws or face deportation

CALOOCAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) –The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday reminded foreigners that they are not exempted from the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) protocols in the midst of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

The reminder came following a viral video of a foreign national in Makati who reportedly refused to abide by ECQ policies, as well as the recent raid of an online gaming company employing aliens despite the COVID-19 lockdown.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente warned foreigners that disobedience to the existing ECQ laws may lead to their arrest and deportation.

He said that these rules are not exclusive to Filipinos.

“The ECQ guidelines were placed to promote public health and safety among members of the society. That means everyone, including foreign nationals. Aliens who disregard the law may face deportation,” he said.

Morente shared that Section 6 of Bayanihan to Heal as One Act states that alien offenders shall be penalized and deported.

“Aliens who blatantly disregard our laws, especially during this critical period, not only face criminal charges but also immigration deportation cases as well,” he warned. “If deported, alien offenders will be perpetually barred from returning to the country,” he added.

Morente expressed his dismay at said incidents and assured the public that foreign nationals who will not observe ECQ protocols will be sanctioned. “This is not just about the utter disrespect towards our laws. It is more importantly about putting everybody else’s health at risk,” he said. (BI/PIA-NCR)

source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040406