24 ‘illegal’ Chinese workers held in Davao
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Immigration authorities and the Philippine Army apprehended 24 Chinese nationals in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, over alleged immigration violations linked to unauthorized employment, the Philippine Army said on Tuesday.
Authorities held the suspects during a joint enforcement operation on Monday by the Bureau of Immigration’s Davao Region office and the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) in Panabo’s Barangay New Little Panay.
An initial investigation found that 24 of the 27 Chinese initially subjected to document verification may have violated provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act.
Intel reports
Among the alleged offenses included were working without proper permits, overstaying, and misrepresentation, according to the military.
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Investigators also found that some foreigners were allegedly employed by companies different from those that sponsored their visas, while others were reportedly working despite holding only tourist visas.
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The operation stemmed from intelligence reports about foreign nationals allegedly engaged in unauthorized employment in the area, authorities said.
The individuals are being held for processing and documentation while immigration authorities conduct further investigation to determine the extent of the alleged violations and identify other possibly involved persons.
Army Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the Army’s 10th ID, said the operation highlighted coordination among government agencies in enforcing immigration laws and addressing unlawful activities involving foreign nationals.
The Chinese nationals were detained at the compound of Tri-Shining International Oil Corp./Kunheting Corp. in New Little Panay for initial processing and documentation by immigration authorities, said Army Maj. Ruben Gadut, spokesperson for the Army’s 10th ID.
Last month, 20 other Chinese nationals were arrested in Pantukan, Davao de Oro and Tagum City, Davao del Norte for illegal mining. /cb
