Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives arrested 13 Chinese nationals on October 30 for allegedly working illegally at mining sites on Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
The operation, carried out by the BI’s Intelligence Division in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led to the discovery of the foreign nationals across two mining sites.
According to BI-ID Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr., 11 of those arrested held working visas but were found working for companies not listed on their permits, a breach of their visa conditions. One of the individuals held a retiree visa, while another had overstayed in the country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the need to enforce immigration laws in areas like Homonhon.
"Illegal employment undermines local laws and communities," Viado said, adding that the BI is dedicated to ensuring compliance with national regulations through cooperation with various government agencies.
The PAOCC currently has custody of the arrested individuals, and the BI has begun deportation proceedings against them.
Homonhon Island, historically significant as the first Philippine landing site of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, has recently seen local concerns over the environmental effects of mining activities.
