11 Chinese nabbed for illegal mining

MANILA, Philippines — Eleven Chinese nationals allegedly involved in illegal mining were arrested in Paracale, Camarines Norte yesterday morning.

The suspects were collared by a joint team of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) following a raid on a mineral processing plant in Barangay Tugos, according to PAOCC spokesman Winston John Casio.

The team was backed by the local police and the military.

Authorities identified the Chinese nationals as Chang Si Ci, Chen Chan Xia, Chen Gui Hua, Jiu Zhong Ren, Li Chun, Liu Wei Mang, Liu Wei Xi, Lou Peng, Shen Yuan Fan, Yu Yun Lai and Zhen Zi Yu.

The suspects reportedly failed to present passports or any document during initial inspection.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the foreigners would be deported if they are found staying illegally in the country.

Casio said the raid was part of the PAOCC’s intensified efforts against illegal mining and other forms of criminal activities.

“The PAOCC, BI and our AFP partner are bent on stopping criminal activities perpetrated by foreign nationals,” Casio said, referring to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. — Evelyn Macairan