Nine Chinese nationals were arrested for working without legal documents at mining sites in Masbate, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
The BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the foreigners were apprehended on Monday in operations at Cabancalan and Pangle villages in Aroroy town. He confirmed that the group had no permits to engage in mining activities.
The operation was conducted along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, BI’s regional intelligence operations unit, and Masbate police.
The BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that the bureau does not tolerate foreign nationals engaged in illegal activities, especially if the country’s natural resources are at stake.
“Illegal mining not only undermines our immigration and labor policies but also threatens the environment and the livelihood of local communities,” Viado said. “We will continue to strengthen enforcement efforts, with the support of other government agencies, to ensure that violators are held accountable and our resources are safeguarded.”
The suspects were brought to Manila and are detained at the BI facility in Taguig City while facing deportation proceedings.
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