Authorities arrested up to 24 Chinese nationals for allegedly engaging in unauthorized employment and violating immigration laws in Barangay New Little Panay, Panabo City, Davao del Norte on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Troops from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID) and personnel of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) launched the operation after receiving reports regarding the presence of the Chinese nationals in the area.

Based on initial investigation, 27 Chinese nationals were initially subjected for verification. Twenty-four of them were found to have allegedly committed various violations under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.

The military said among the violations committed include misrepresentation, working without the necessary visa or permit, and overstaying while engaging in unauthorized employment.

10ID added that several of the foreigners arrested were found to have been allegedly employed by a company different from the one that petitioned their visas, while others, despite holding tourist visas, were reportedly engaged in gainful employment without the necessary work permits and appropriate working visas.

The foreigners arrested are detained at the compound of an international oil company in Barangay New Little Panay, as of this writing, for initial processing and documentation by immigration personnel.

“This successful operation reflects the strong coordination among government agencies in addressing unlawful activities involving foreign nationals. The 10ID remains committed to supporting lawful enforcement operations to ensure public safety and protect national interests within the Area of Operation,” 10ID Commander, Major General Alvin Luzon, said.

Authorities are conducting further investigation to determine the full extent of the violations and identify other individuals possibly involved in the illegal activities.

(With reports from John Ryan Calonia, GMA Super Radyo Davao)