Aliens arrested in Concepcion

By Florence F. Hibionda

Five Indian nationals tagged as “undocumented aliens” were arrested last week by agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) here.

With no pertinent papers to back up their continued legal stay in Iloilo, the five arrested foreigners were said to be involved in various businesses throughout the province. No further details were readily available on the nature of the group's presence in Iloilo towns though sources told The News Today, most of their local clients deal with the Indian national's money lending operation.

The arrest came after reports were validated by the bureau on the questionable existence of the five and complaints received on their activities.

With Immigration Officer Reinfred Tubal at the helm of the local BID leadership here, monitoring of the presence of the foreign nationals including practice of trade has since been closely watched.

On top of the money lending activities, Indian nationals in the city and province of Iloilo as well as nearby provinces in the region are known to ply wares ranging from appliances to household stuffs, blankets to umbrellas and of late, imported grocery goods.

To recall, an Indian national was killed in Antique while another companion was seriously injured months back in what police said was an attack made by disgruntled customers. The incident was believed to be a case of mistaken identity though with the wrong Indian national victimized by the suspects.

The five arrested nationals were turned over to Manila for proper disposition of their case.