The Bureau of immigration (BI) has reported that a 47-year-old man who posed as a Filipino was arrested in Butuan City.

BI said the suspect was arrested in Barangay Bading, Butuan City on October 9, 2025 by members of the BI Regional Intelligence Unit 11 and 13, in coordination with the military and police.

During the arrest, the operating team found Chen with a woman identified later as his wife at a restaurant in the area. He reportedly presented a passport and retiree’s visa card bearing his Chinese name.

Authorities also found out that he possessed an LTO driver’s license and a PSA birth certificate under a Filipino identity. He allegedly admitted to obtaining these documents for business registration and bank account purposes, in violation of Philippine immigration laws.

Meanwhile, BI did not find his wife violating immigration laws.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado expressed concern over the growing number of foreigners holding authentic Philippine documents illegally.

“Foreign nationals who use Philippine identities pose a risk in national security,” Viado said.

“These individuals are infiltrating our economy and stealing work from real Filipinos. Worse is that they may be involved in more sinister acts during their stay here,” he added.

Chen is detained temporarily in Davao and will face deportation proceedings.