The Bureau of Immigration arrested American national Randall Lee Parker last week after it was discovered he was running a resort establishment on Boracay without proper documentation.

“He will undergo deportation proceedings for illegally working in the country,” said Commissioner Jaime H. Morente.

Parker was arrested on the premises of his establishment, the Crown Beach Hotel, located at Station 2 on the now-shuttered resort island.

According to Presidential Decree No. 442, or the Labor Code of the Philippines, foreigners seeking employment in the Philippines must obtain a permit from the Department of Labor and Employment.

In addition, an employment visa is also required from the bureau.

Morente noted, Parker was in the country as a tourist for nearly two years and had recently extended his stay until next month, June 14.

“Aliens holding tourist visas are not allowed to engage in any form of gainful employment or business activity,” he explained.

Last year, the bureau reported 1,508 illegal aliens were deported in 2017, over three times the 400 removed from the country in 2016.

The agency said many were found to have overstayed their visa or were working without a permit.

China topped the list with 1,248, followed by 115 from South Korea and 33 from India./WDJ