By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday reported the recent arrest of eight foreigners at a mining site in Isabela.
According to Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the apprehension of seven Chinese nationals and one Taiwanese national in Sitio Dimakawal, Barangay Bukal Norte, Dinapigue, was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the government’s crackdown against illegal mining.
The foreigners were arrested on Tuesday for violations of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, for working without a permit or visa, for being undocumented, and for engaging in work outside their petitioning company.
“Illegal mining not only destroys our environment but also deprives our country of valuable natural resources. Foreign nationals who come here to exploit our land without respect for our laws will face arrest, detention, and deportation. This is a clear message that the Philippines will not tolerate such activities,” the BI chief said in a statement.
The operation was conducted by the BI Intelligence Division (ID) Regional Intelligence Operations Units (RIOU) in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions 2 and 3, and the BI-ID Main Office, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation–Isabela District Office, Philippine Navy, Philippine Army, Dinapigue Isabela Police Station, and government intelligence forces.
On the other hand, BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. reported that the arrests stemmed from intelligence reports that foreign nationals were engaged in copper and gold mining in the area.
The arrest followed another recent raid by the BI in another mining site in Masbate, where nine illegal Chinese workers were found to be conducting mining activities.
Viado noted that cracking down on foreigners involved in illegal mining is important in protecting local communities, preserving natural resources, and safeguarding national security from external threats.
The eight foreigners were transferred to Manila for booking, and were later brought to the BI’s detention facility in Taguig, where they will remain during deportation proceedings. (PNA)
