49 foreigners nabbed for immigration violations in Davao, Pasay and Pampanga

Authorities arrested 49 foreign nationals in Davao de Oro, Pasay City, and Pampanga after allegedly engaging in illegal and unauthorized activities and other immigration violations, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Thursday.

In a statement, BI said 22 Chinese citizens were nabbed at an alleged illegal mining site and warehouse in Pantukan, Davao de Oro and Tagum City, Davao del Norte on April 22.

Sixteen Chinese citizens were also arrested at a mining site in Barangay Napnapan, while four more were arrested at a nearby warehouse and loading site in Brgy. Apokon.

The BI said the foreigners were allegedly found working without appropriate visas.

Authorities also found explosive components, including ammonium nitrate, dynamite, blasting caps, and detonators during their operations.

They also recovered dried seahorses, which are considered protected wildlife species under Philippine environmental laws.

On May 7, BI further said four Chinese and two Bangladeshi citizens were arrested at a mall in Baclaran, Pasay City for allegedly violating the conditions of their stay and engaging in retail trade activities.

The foreigners were found working in a mall despite allegedly holding visas inconsistent with their actual activities in the country.

On May 8, authorities arrested a 66-year-old Pakistani national in a subdivision in Brgy. Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga after he failed to present any passport or immigration documents.

The Pakistani man also admitted that he was a subject of an Immigration mission order.

The arrested foreigners are facing charges for violating the Philippine immigration laws and will be under BI custody during deportation proceedings. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News