MAWAB, Davao de Oro — Twenty Chinese nationals were apprehended by Philippine authorities on April 22, 2026, during a joint operation that uncovered an alleged illegal mining network in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte provinces.
The Bureau of Immigration XI, supported by the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army, conducted the operation to serve Mission Orders 2026-151 and 152 in Pantukan, Davao de Oro and Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The foreign nationals face immigration violations under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.
According to the 10th Infantry Division, the Chinese nationals failed to present necessary permits and documents during the operation, leading authorities to discover alleged illegal mining activities in the area. The raid resulted in the seizure of mineral resources, heavy equipment, explosives, and Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) uniforms.
Immigration Violations and Overstaying Charges
Initial investigation revealed that all 20 apprehended individuals are holders of tourist visas who have been overstaying in the Philippines. They may be held liable for violations of Section 37(a)(9) in relation to Section 45(e) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, for undesirability due to expired visas.
The Bureau of Immigration is preparing appropriate charges for possible violations of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. Tourist visa holders are prohibited from engaging in any form of employment or business activities in the Philippines without proper work permits.
Further investigation disclosed that the foreign nationals have allegedly been engaged in small-scale illegal mining operations in the area for an extended period. The mining activities involved the extraction of gold and other mineral ores reportedly intended for smuggling outside the country.
Security Concerns Over Military Uniforms
The discovery of Chinese People's Liberation Army uniforms during the raid has raised additional security concerns among Philippine authorities. The presence of military paraphernalia alongside mining equipment and explosives suggests possible links to organized illegal mining networks with potential national security implications.
Authorities are conducting a deeper investigation into the extent of the illegal mining activities and their possible security implications. The combination of immigration violations, illegal mining, and military equipment has prompted a comprehensive review of the case by multiple government agencies.
The seized explosives are being examined by bomb disposal experts to determine their intended use in the mining operations. Heavy equipment found at the site includes excavators and processing machinery typically used in large-scale mining operations, despite the areas being designated for small-scale mining only.
Army Commander Emphasizes Inter-Agency Cooperation
"The 10ID fully supports the Bureau of Immigration XI in the lawful service of its mission orders. This operation underscores the importance of inter-agency coordination, as it not only addressed immigration violations but also exposed illegal activities that threaten our natural resources and national security," said Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry Division.
The military's involvement in the operation highlights the government's commitment to addressing illegal mining activities that have proliferated in various parts of Mindanao. The 10th Infantry Division has been actively supporting civilian agencies in law enforcement operations targeting foreign nationals engaged in illegal activities.
Major General Luzon emphasized that such operations demonstrate the effectiveness of coordination between immigration authorities and the military in protecting Philippine sovereignty and natural resources from exploitation by foreign entities.
Extended Mining Operations Discovered
According to the investigation, the Chinese nationals had been operating their illegal mining activities for an extended period, extracting gold and other valuable minerals from sites in Davao de Oro. The scale of the operation suggests a well-organized network with significant financial backing and logistical support.
The extracted minerals were reportedly being prepared for smuggling outside the country, depriving the Philippine government of proper taxes and royalties. Environmental damage from the unauthorized mining activities is also being assessed by relevant government agencies.
Local communities in the affected areas have been cooperating with authorities in providing information about the illegal mining activities. Residents had reportedly observed increased activity by foreign nationals in remote mining areas over recent months.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Review
Authorities continue to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the full extent of the illegal mining network and its possible connections to other criminal activities. The case involves multiple government agencies, including the Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Army, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and local government units.
The presence of PLA uniforms has prompted security agencies to examine potential links to espionage or other activities that could compromise national security. Intelligence agencies are reviewing the backgrounds of the arrested individuals and their possible connections to organized criminal networks.
Immigration officials are also investigating how the Chinese nationals were able to overstay their tourist visas for extended periods without detection. The case has highlighted gaps in monitoring systems for foreign visitors engaged in unauthorized activities in remote areas.
The arrested Chinese nationals are currently in the custody of immigration authorities pending the filing of formal charges. Their tourist visas have been cancelled, and they face deportation proceedings in addition to criminal charges related to illegal mining activities.
Government efforts continue to intensify in curbing unlawful activities involving foreign nationals, particularly in the mining sector where environmental and security concerns intersect with economic interests. The successful operation demonstrates the government's determination to protect Philippine natural resources from illegal exploitation.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army