By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan and Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Police have arrested nine Chinese nationals in a joint law enforcement operation against illegal mining activities in Aroroy, Masbate.
In a statement Wednesday, acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the nine suspects were nabbed during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Cabangcalan and Barangay Pangle, both in Aroroy on Sept. 22.
Authorities seized from the suspects heavy equipment used in the operations, including five dump trucks, six backhoes, one Sino truck trailer, two loaders, a generator set, two unserviceable SUVs, and one pickup truck.
The apprehended foreign nationals were turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for documentation, profiling, and appropriate legal action. They were brought to Masbate Port on the same day and transported aboard a RoRo vessel bound for Pio Duran Port.
Nartatez said the operation was conducted in response to complaints regarding the harmful environmental effects of illegal mining activities in the said areas.
“The PNP will never tolerate illegal mining and immigration violations by foreign nationals. These acts not only destroy our environment but also undermine the rule of law and threaten national security,” said Nartatez.
Meanwhile, the BI said in a news release that the foreigners nabbed were found to be actively engaged in mining activities without the appropriate visas or permits. Some were also discovered to be overstaying or working in violation of their immigration status.
BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said they are now detained at the BI facility in Taguig, where they will undergo deportation proceedings.
For his part, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency will not tolerate foreign nationals taking part in illegal activities that harm both the country’s laws and its natural resources.
“Illegal mining not only undermines our immigration and labor policies but also threatens the environment and the livelihood of local communities,” he 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.” (PNA)
