5 Chinese nationals linked to illegal mining caught in Isabela

BAGUIO CITY (March 1, 2025) -- Five Chinese nationals reportedly involved in illegal mining were caught by agents of the Bureau of Immigration-Region 2 in Isabela province.

A belated report identified the suspects as Xue Xianrong, Xingyue Qiu, Zeng Shuiying, Zhang Huaping, and Xue Junfeng, who were caught on February 27 while working at a mining site in Barangay Caguilingan, Cordon, Isabela.

The operation, reportedly carried out by Bureau of Immigration-Region 2’s Regional Intelligence Operating Unit II, discovered that the individuals were working without government sanctions like permits or visas.

The five Chinese nationals failed to present valid immigration documentation, instead showing only digital copies of their passports stored on their mobile phones, the report said.

When further verified, BI confirmed the Chinese nationals lacked the proper visas required for employment.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reiterated the agency’s firm stance against illegal foreign workers, particularly those engaged in unregulated industries such as mining.  “This is a clear violation of our immigration laws,” Viado sternly said.

“Foreign nationals who wish to work in the Philippines must secure the proper documentation. We will not tolerate any disregard for our laws, especially in industries that pose environmental and economic concerns,” the BI official warned.

The five Chinese nationals were taken to the BI’s holding facility in Bicutan, Taguig, where they will stay while deportation proceedings will be undertaken.

According also to Viado, BI is instituting stricter monitoring efforts to detect and apprehend foreign nationals working in the country without proper authorization. He urged all foreign workers to comply with our immigration policies and warned against those who continue to work illegally in the country.