By Edwin Fernandez

FRAUD SUSPECTS. Four Chinese nationals are arrested in Mlang, North Cotabato on Monday (March 24, 2025) for lacking work visas. The suspects were caught working for a company that manufactures mosquito coils. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

MLANG, North Cotabato – Four Chinese nationals employed in a company that manufactures mosquito coil were arrested Monday for working without valid work permits, during a joint operation by security forces, military officials said Tuesday.

Authorities identified the suspects as Liu Dezhen, Tang Zhongyi, Tianpei Wu, and Wang Lian Xu, employees of Alpha Household Miscellaneous Chemical Products Manufacturing in Barangay Nueva Vida.

The suspects did not resist arrest during a raid conducted by the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the local police.

Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, 6ID spokesperson, said the BI is determining whether to deport the suspects pending investigation.

He also accused them of fraudulent activities and smuggling but did not provide specifics.

The BI and NBI confirmed only that the four had no proper work permits, leading to their arrest.

Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, 6ID commander, lauded the inter-agency operation as “an effective strategy for neutralizing lawbreakers.” (PNA)