Seven Chinese nationals were transferred to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention facility in Manila on Sunday after being charged with unlawful entry and immigration offenses.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that the individuals violated Commonwealth Act 613, Section 37 A(7), which addresses the unlawful entry of foreign nationals, as well as Act 2711, Section 69, covering general immigration offenses.

In a statement, the PCG explained that the charges were filed during an inquest and preliminary investigation conducted by the BI. These add to two earlier cases filed by the Coast Guard Investigation and Detection Management Service (CGIDMS) at the Navotas City Prosecutor’s Office on September 17.

The BI will take custody of the Chinese nationals while legal proceedings are ongoing.