Authorities arrested 20 Chinese nationals for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities and violating immigration laws in separate operations in the Davao region on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Troops of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID) and personnel of the Bureau of Immigration-Davao (BI-11) carried out the operations in Pantukan, Davao de Oro and Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Authorities said the foreigners arrested reportedly failed to present valid documents and were found to have expired visas, which is a violation of the Philippine Immigration Act.

Seized during the operations were various mineral resources, heavy equipment, explosives, and uniforms reportedly linked to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, which are now being examined to determine possible connections to illegal mining networks.

Based on investigation, the suspects had allegedly been involved for some time in small-scale illegal mining operations in the said areas, where they extract gold and other mineral ores believed to have been smuggled out of the country.

The foreigners arrested will face charges for violation of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942).