The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has detained two foreign nationals for operating a resort in Siargao without the necessary work permits. Teryn Jane Spencer, a 41-year-old from New Zealand, and Dario Salvatore Di Capua, a 38-year-old from Switzerland, were arrested on July 1.
Details of the Arrest
A tourist visa is not a license to work or run a business in the Philippines,” said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
Joel Anthony Viado, Immigration Commissioner
- Couple managed a homestay and café in San Isidro, Siargao.
- They offered yoga sessions without required work visas.
BI operatives from the Mindanao Regional Intelligence Operations Unit conducted the arrest based on reports of the couple's activities. Authorities stated that Spencer and Di Capua had been directly managing the resort and interacting with customers while on temporary visitor status.
The couple now faces deportation proceedings for violating the conditions of their tourist visas. The BI emphasized that foreigners must adhere to Philippine laws and that unauthorized employment will not be tolerated.