MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the arrest of six Chinese nationals in three separate operations in Bataan and Tarlac.

BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the first arrest involved Li Mngquan, 55, who was apprehended on November 13 in Brgy. Balsic, Hermosa, Bataan. Li was found working in a manufacturing company despite holding a visa issued for employment in Bohol, violating immigration laws.

On November 17, BI agents from the Regional Intelligence Operations Unit (RIOU) 3, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation and barangay officials, arrested five other Chinese nationals in a residential subdivision in Brgy. Estrada, Capas, Tarlac. Investigations revealed that the group was involved in illegal online operations. Four held working visas for a company in Quezon City, while one had a retiree’s visa but will face charges for harboring illegal aliens.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stressed that the arrests reflect the agency’s expanded operational presence nationwide, with intelligence units actively conducting surveillance and enforcement beyond Metro Manila.

“We are strengthening our coordination with law-enforcement partners nationwide to ensure that violators are swiftly identified and apprehended. No matter where they attempt to hide, our intelligence operatives are on the ground, working to protect national security and uphold the integrity of our immigration system,” Viado said.

The arrested individuals are currently undergoing deportation proceedings and are being held at the BI facility in Bicutan, Taguig.