Japanese Nationals Arrested in Cavite Over Immigration Violations

CARMONA CITY, Cavite — Two Japanese nationals were arrested at an electric vehicle business here after they failed to present valid work permits, the Bureau of Immigration said.

Bureau of Immigration Intelligence Division agents arrested Kaoru Goto, 33, and Tsutsumi Kazumasa, 32, on Sept. 10 during an operation at a business inside Golden Mile Business Park in Barangay Maduya, said BI-ID Chief Jun Manahan.

Manahan said the operation was carried out under Mission Order No. 2026-329, signed Sept. 8, as part of the agency’s intensified campaign against foreign nationals violating the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. He said the effort follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to crack down on undocumented foreign workers in economic and industrial zones.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, agents posed as customers interested in purchasing an electric vehicle to gain entry to the facility. Once inside, they found the two men performing regular work duties without proper documentation, the bureau said.

Immigration records showed neither suspect could produce a 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employee Visa, a Special Work Permit, or the required clearance from the Department of Labor and Employment, according to the bureau.

Goto and Kazumasa underwent inquest proceedings before the BI Legal Division and were later transferred to the BI Warden’s Facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City, where they remain in custody as the Board of Commissioners reviews their summary deportation cases, the bureau said.

Under Philippine law, foreign nationals seeking to work in the country must first secure an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor and Employment, followed by approval of a 9(g) Commercial Visa or Special Work Permit from the Bureau of Immigration. Those found working on tourist visas are considered undocumented and subject to arrest, deportation and blacklisting, according to the bureau.