CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities arrested 20 Chinese nationals in the Davao region on Wednesday, uncovering an alleged illegal mining and smuggling network that yielded explosives and uniforms of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The joint operation, led by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Region 11 and backed by the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, targeted locations in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, and Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
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Initially launched to serve mission orders against foreigners violating the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, the raid escalated when authorities discovered illicit small-scale mining activities.
According to the military, the suspects failed to present the necessary extraction permits.
A subsequent search of the site led to the discovery of extracted mineral resources, heavy equipment, explosives, and PLA uniforms, raising immediate national security and resource-plunder concerns.
Initial investigations revealed that the apprehended foreigners were holding expired tourist visas. Authorities suspect the group has been conducting illicit mining of gold and other mineral ores for an extended period, allegedly intending to smuggle the extracted resources out of the country.
“This operation underscores the importance of inter-agency coordination, as it not only addressed immigration violations but also exposed illegal activities that threaten our natural resources and national security,” Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said in a statement.
The BI is preparing to file deportation charges against the suspects for overstaying and violating Section 37(a)(9) and Section 45(e) of the immigration code. Additional criminal charges for violating Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, are also being prepared.
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Security forces and immigration officials are conducting deeper investigations to determine the full extent of the mining network, how the explosives were procured, and the implications of the recovered foreign military uniforms. /coa
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