ANGELES CITY -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned foreigners staying in the country to observe enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) rules or face deportation.
The bureau reminded foreigners that they are not exempted from the ECQ protocols amid the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.
With the rapid spike in confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said foreigners who violated the ECQ laws will be arrested and deported.
“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.
“This is not just about the uttered disrespect towards our laws. It is more importantly about putting everybody else’s health at risk,” he added.