CEBU, Philippines —The swift and coordinated arrest of four Chinese nationals in Liloan, Cebu, for immigration violations has underscored the proactive efforts of Philippine authorities to uphold national security and enforce immigration laws.
According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the operation was initiated after the Bureau of Immigration (BI) requested assistance in serving a mission order against Zhao Yang, a Chinese national allegedly working in the country without the appropriate employment visa — a direct violation of the Philippine Immigration Act, or Commonwealth Act No. 613.
The operation, launched on May 14, 2025, was the result of prior surveillance and intelligence gathering conducted by NBI’s Special Task Force (STF) and Cybercrime Division (CCD), in close coordination with the BI. Their investigation zeroed in on Maxway International Trading Inc., located in Liloan, where several undocumented foreign nationals were believed to be operating.
Upon execution of the mission order, Zhao Yang was apprehended along with three others — Wu Junrong, Qiu Gongchun, and Wang Chaoxin — all of whom were found without valid documentation. The individuals were duly informed of their constitutional rights and processed at the BI Regional Intelligence Operations Unit (RIOU 7) in Cebu.
The four suspects were later flown to Manila and transferred to the Bureau of Immigration Detention Facility in Bicutan, pending further legal proceedings.
Authorities emphasized that the operation is a reflection of the government’s firm stance on immigration compliance and national security. “The success of this joint operation demonstrates the NBI and BI’s shared commitment to ensuring that all foreign nationals residing or working in the country do so within the bounds of the law,” the NBI said in a public statement.
The arrests have sent a strong message about Cebu’s readiness to maintain law and order amid increasing foreign presence, especially in business sectors. Local officials and residents welcomed the decisive action, noting that such efforts contribute to a safer and more secure environment for both locals and lawful expatriates.
Security analysts also noted that this incident reinforces Cebu’s capacity for inter-agency cooperation, setting a precedent for future law enforcement operations involving immigration and labor violations.
As the province continues to develop economically, the vigilance of authorities in safeguarding legal processes and national integrity remains vital — a fact strongly reaffirmed by this latest operation.
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