BI nabs 7 Chinese men involved in illegal sand mining in Zambales

MANILA, Philippines — Government agents have arrested seven Chinese nationals engaged in illegal sand mining in Masinloc, Zambales.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) identified the Chinese men as Chen Shiniu, Chen Shaoshao, Xu Xiansheng, Jiang Xin, Zhao Yihong, Gong Yaan, and Xie Yuhong. They were collared by elements of the bureau’s intelligence offices from Manila and Region 3, with the assistance of the Philippine National Police’s 305th Maneuver Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion and Regional Special Operations Group Region 3.

A report submitted to BI chief Jaime Morente showed that apart from being involved in the illegal activity, the seven foreigners were also working without proper visas.

It also became apparent that the Chinese nationals were overstaying “tourists” in the country.

“The subject arrested foreigners violated not only our immigration laws but also the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and Executive Order 292,” Morente said in a statement on Thursday.

“They are seriously threatening national security and interest by stealing our minerals and resources,” he added.

The Chinese nationals were brought to BI’s central office in Manila for further investigation and proper inquest proceedings. /kga