THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested five Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining in Isabela province on February 27.
The individuals—Xue Xianrong, Xingyue Qiu, Zeng Shuiying, Zhang Huaping, and Xue Junfeng—were caught working at a mining site in Barangay Caguilingan, Cordon without the necessary permits or visas, the BI Regional Intelligence Operating Unit II reported.
During inspection, they failed to provide valid immigration documents, presenting only digital copies of their passports.
Further verification confirmed they lacked proper work visas.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized strict enforcement of immigration laws, stating that foreign workers must secure the appropriate documentation.
The arrested individuals were transferred to BI’s holding facility in Bicutan, Taguig, pending deportation.
Viado warned that illegal workers will face consequences and urged compliance with Philippine immigration policies, particularly in industries with environmental and economic impact.