17 foreign nationals arrested in Isabela, Masbate for illegal mining

Seventeen foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, have been arrested this week in separate operations in Isabela and Masbate targeting illegal mining.

In Isabela, seven Chinese nationals and one Taiwanese were apprehended at a copper and gold mining site for working without necessary permits, with some being undocumented or working outside their authorized companies.

In Masbate, nine Chinese nationals were arrested on September 22 in Aroroy town for working without visas, with some reported to be overstaying.

The arrested individuals were flown to Manila and are detained at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) facility in Taguig pending deportation proceedings.

The BI conducted these operations in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that the bureau does not tolerate foreigners engaging in illegal activities that exploit the country's natural resources.