MASBATE— Nine Chinese nationals were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) during an operation targeting illegal mining activities in Aroroy, Masbate.

BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the operation was conducted on September 22 by the BI’s Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 5 (RIOU5), in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Army, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine National Police, the Masbate Provincial Police Office, and government intelligence forces.

The foreigners were apprehended at two separate mine sites in Barangay Cabangcalan and Barangay Pangle. Authorities said they were engaged in mining activities without the required visas or permits. Some were also found to be overstaying or working in violation of their immigration status.

Following their arrest, the miners were brought to Manila for booking and are now detained at the BI facility in Taguig, where they will face deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency will not tolerate foreign nationals participating in illegal activities that violate Philippine laws and harm natural resources.

“Illegal mining not only undermines our immigration and labor policies but also threatens the environment and the livelihood of local communities,” Viado said. “We will continue to strengthen enforcement efforts, with the support of other government agencies, to ensure that violators are held accountable and our resources are safeguarded.”