Davao de oro: Twenty-seven foreign nationals, predominantly Chinese, were recently apprehended in separate operations across Davao de Oro, Pasay City, and Pampanga, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported.
According to Philippines News Agency, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that the operations, conducted from April 22 to May 8, targeted foreign nationals alleged to be involved in illegal mining, unauthorized retail trade, and other immigration violations. Viado emphasized that foreign nationals engaging in illegal activities would face arrest and deportation. He reiterated the BI's commitment to protecting national security and ensuring strict enforcement of immigration laws.
The largest operation occurred on April 22 in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, and Tagum City, Davao del Norte. BI operatives from the Regional Intelligence Operations Unit (RIOU)-Mindanao, in collaboration with military intelligence teams, arrested 20 Chinese nationals at an alleged illegal mining site and warehouse. Sixteen of these individuals were apprehended at a mining site in Barangay Napnapan, while four were arrested at a warehouse and loading site in Barangay Apokon. The foreigners were found working without appropriate visas and labeled as undesirable aliens due to the discovery of explosive components such as ammonium nitrate, dynamites, blasting caps, and detonators. Additionally, operatives recovered dried seahorses, protected wildlife species under Philippine environmental laws.
Meanwhile, on May 7, BI intelligence agents arrested six foreign nationals at a mall in Baclaran, Pasay City, for allegedly violating their stay conditions and engaging in retail trade activities. The arrested individuals included four Chinese nationals and two Bangladeshi nationals. BI intelligence operatives reported that these foreigners were working at various stalls in the mall, holding visas inconsistent with their actual activities. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Southern Police District.
In a separate operation on May 8, BI agents from RIOU-3 apprehended a 66-year-old Pakistani national, Ahmed Mushtaq, at a residence in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. Authorities reported that Mushtaq failed to present any passport or immigration documents and admitted to being the subject of a BI mission order. He was arrested for overstaying and being undocumented.
The BI stated that the arrested foreigners now face charges for violations of Philippine immigration laws and will remain in custody during the deportation proceedings.
