11 Chinese Arrested For Illegal Mining
CHINESE – Authorities apprehended 11 Chinese nationals who were discovered working at an illegal mining site despite holding only tourist visas.
Eleven Chinese nationals were apprehended in Paracale, Camarines Norte, during a raid on a mineral processing plant suspected of involvement in illegal mining. The operation, conducted yesterday morning, was a joint effort by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI), with support from local police and the military.
Based on a report from Philstar, the arrested individuals were identified as Chang Si Ci, Chen Chan Xia, Chen Gui Hua, Jiu Zhong Ren, Li Chun, Liu Wei Mang, Liu Wei Xi, Lou Peng, Shen Yuan Fan, Yu Yun Lai, and Zhen Zi Yu. During the initial inspection, the suspects reportedly failed to present valid passports or any form of identification, raising suspicions about their legal status in the Philippines.
PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio said the raid was part of the agency’s intensified efforts to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities involving foreign nationals. “The PAOCC, BI, and our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) partner are bent on stopping criminal activities perpetrated by foreign nationals,” Casio emphasized.
Illegal mining has long been a significant issue in certain parts of the Philippines, particularly in regions rich in mineral resources like Camarines Norte. These operations often result in severe environmental damage and the exploitation of local resources without proper oversight or regulations. Foreign nationals, particularly those without legal permits, have been linked to some of these operations, prompting law enforcement agencies to launch targeted crackdowns.
According to the report, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado commented on the situation, stating that if the Chinese nationals are found to be staying in the country illegally, they will face deportation. He assured the public that the BI is closely monitoring the case and will take necessary legal actions to ensure the suspects are held accountable for any violations.
The arrest of the Chinese nationals highlights the ongoing collaboration between the PAOCC, BI, and military in their mission to protect the country’s resources and curb illegal activities.
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