The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has taken custody of seven Chinese nationals apprehended by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for violating Philippine immigration laws.
BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato ‘Jun’ Manahan, Jr. shared that the suspects were unlawfully operating within Philippine waters without proper documentation.
“These individuals were attempting to exploit our porous maritime borders. Their illegal activities have been thwarted thanks to the swift action of the PCG,” Manahan noted.
The suspects, aged 30-45 years old, were intercepted aboard the M/V Sangko Uno found at the Navotas City port last Sept. 15. They were turned over to the BI last Sept. 20 for initiation of deportation proceedings and have been transferred to the BI’s facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig.
They were identified as Kang Yinxi, Wei Jiarui, Zhuang Chugen, Guo Yibin, Lin Zongsen, Liu Xinfu, and Chen Min, were arrested by the PCG after being found to be undocumented.
BI Officer-in-Charge Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado condemned the blatant disregard of the country’s immigration laws and vowed a more aggressive stance in curbing illegal alien activities.
“This operation sends a strong message: the Philippines is not a playground for illegal aliens. The BI, together with our partners like the Coast Guard, will continue to stand against foreign threats to our sovereignty,” Viado said.
He also praised the vigilance of the PCG in protecting the country’s maritime boundaries, describing their efforts as crucial in intercepting illegal entrants.
“The PCG’s tireless work in patrolling our seas ensures that foreign syndicates do not illegally enter our country,” he stated.
