BI nabs 9 Chinese for illegal mining in Masbate
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested nine Chinese nationals in a joint operation against illegal mining in Masbate, the agency said on Wednesday.
The foreigners were apprehended on Sept. 22 in separate mine sites in Barangay Cabangcalan and Barangay Pangle, Aroroy town in Masbate.
Authorities said they were caught actively working in mining operations without proper visas or permits.
Some were also found overstaying or violating their immigration status.
The group was transported to Manila and is now detained at the BI facility in Taguig City, pending deportation proceedings.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said the agency is intensifying enforcement against foreigners involved in illegal economic activities.
“Illegal mining not only undermines our immigration and labor policies but also threatens the environment and the livelihood of local communities,” Mr. Viado said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking
