MANILA – Four Chinese nationals were arrested in Agusan del Sur for immigration violations linked to illegal mining, immigration authorities reported.
The four were arrested after operatives from the Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 13 implemented a mission order in coordination with the Philippine National Police and government intelligence forces.
The suspects, who were brought to the Agusan del Sur Provincial Jail for temporary safekeeping, will face charges for violations of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 for misrepresentation and working without valid visas.
Immigration authorities stated it was the third batch of foreign illegal miners apprehended in recent weeks.
“This series of arrests shows that we are unrelenting in our fight against foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality and plunder our natural resources,” the statement said.
Following presidential directives, immigration officials said they will continue working hand-in-hand with other law enforcement agencies to arrest foreigners involved in illegal mining and other immigration violations.
“We will ensure that violators are deported and permanently barred from returning to the Philippines,” the statement added.
In a related development, immigration authorities reported the recent arrest of two Chinese nationals during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
The suspects were identified as a 36-year-old who was found to be overstaying and undesirable, and a 53-year-old who was found to have active derogatory records and is subject to a hold departure order issued by a Parañaque court.
Authorities said the younger suspect is also wanted by Chinese courts for allegedly conspiring with other Chinese nationals to collect approximately 6.54 million RMB from 42 investors between 2016 and 2019 through fraudulent investment schemes.
The two were arrested in late September.
Agusan del Sur
Agusan del Sur is a province in the southern Philippines, located on the island of Mindanao. It is renowned for its vast and ecologically significant Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, a complex network of rivers, lakes, and swamp forests that is a haven for biodiversity. Historically, the area is also famous for the discovery of the Agusan Golden Image, a 21-carat gold statue from the 13th-14th centuries, indicating a rich and sophisticated pre-colonial culture.
Philippine Immigration Act of 1940
The Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 613) was a landmark law that established the country’s first comprehensive framework for regulating the entry and stay of foreigners. It was enacted to manage immigration following the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth and replaced earlier, piecemeal American colonial legislation. The Act is historically significant for containing provisions, such as the controversial “quota system,” that were used to restrict the entry of specific nationalities, particularly Chinese immigrants.
Philippine National Police
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is the primary law enforcement agency of the Philippines. It was established in 1991 through the merger of the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police, forming a unified police force under a reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government. The PNP is responsible for maintaining peace and order, enforcing the law, and ensuring public safety across the nation.
Agusan del Sur Provincial Jail
The Agusan del Sur Provincial Jail is a government detention facility in the Philippines that houses individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. While specific historical details are limited, it functions as a key part of the local justice system, reflecting the broader history and challenges of the Philippine penal system in the Caraga region.
Barangay Tambo
Barangay Tambo is a coastal barangay located in Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Historically, its name is derived from the word “tambuhan,” meaning a place where reeds (tambo) grow, and it was a significant fishing village before the area’s rapid urbanization. Today, it is known for its proximity to major developments like Entertainment City and its blend of traditional community life with modern urban growth.
Parañaque City
Parañaque City is a highly urbanized coastal city in Metro Manila, Philippines, historically known as a fishing and salt-making center. It played a significant role during the Spanish colonial era as a bastion of faith, earning it the nickname “The Catholic Diocese of the Parañaque.” Today, it is a major commercial and residential hub, famous for its lively local festivals like the “Pagoda” fluvial procession and the modern developments of the Aseana City and Entertainment City.
Parañaque court
The Parañaque City Hall and its court are located in the historic center of Parañaque City, Metro Manila. The area has a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial era, when it was a significant coastal settlement. Today, the city hall complex houses the local government offices and the municipal trial courts that serve the community.
Chinese courts
Chinese courts form a hierarchical judicial system responsible for adjudicating civil, criminal, and administrative cases. Historically, their modern structure was established after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, with significant reforms in recent decades aiming to enhance judicial professionalism and independence. The Supreme People’s Court in Beijing sits at the apex of this system, overseeing the administration of justice nationwide.
