Some foreign nationals involved in illegal scam hub operations in the Philippines may have entered the country using visa-free privileges, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said Thursday.
In an interview on DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, Mabulac said many of the foreign nationals involved in raids on scam hubs were citizens of Southeast Asian countries that do not require visas to enter the Philippines.
He said authorities could not immediately determine how long these individuals had been staying in the country, as some may have arrived recently while others may have been here for an extended period.
“[Mayroong] possibility na sila ay matagal na dito sa ating bansa, o di kaya bago pa lang,” Mabulac said.
The BI official acknowledged that monitoring foreign nationals after they have been allowed entry remains a challenge for the agency.
He also discussed existing immigration rules, including entry requirements and procedures for extending the stay of foreign visitors.
Mabulac said the agency is working to improve immigration processes through modernization efforts, including the use of electronic gates or e-gates at airports.
He also stressed the importance of cooperation among the public, local communities and law enforcement agencies in detecting and preventing human trafficking and other illegal activities involving foreign nationals.
Watch the full exclusive interview below:
