BI nabs 2 Chinese in Lanao del Norte for misrepresentation

Two Chinese nationals were arrested in Lanao del Norte for allegedly misrepresenting themselves as Filipinos. 

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the suspects were apprehended on March 4 in Iligan City after authorities found they had assumed fake Filipino identities and illegally obtained Philippine identification documents using their fraudulent names. 

Immigration authorities said one had been using the name “Mia Chua Co” and the other “Stanny Co."

"Mia" admitted to using Philippine documents and presented her Chinese passport and alien certificate of registration identity card. She also allegedly said she had obtained the documents under a fictitious Filipino name.

Meanwhile, Stanny presented his Chinese passport and alien registration card. Several identification cards bearing his photograph but under his assumed Filipino identity, including a driver’s license, BIR tax identification card, and Philippine Postal ID were also recovered from his possession. 

The suspects were brought to the Iligan City Police Office for blotter and documentation before undergoing inquest proceedings, the BI said. 

The BI reiterated its warning that foreigners who falsely represent themselves as Filipinos or illegally obtain Philippine identification documents will face arrest, deportation, and will be blacklisted from re-entering the Philippines. —VAL, GMA Integrated News