AUTHORITIES arrested four Chinese nationals allegedly involved in fraud and smuggling during a law enforcement operation in North Cotabato, the military said on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Lieutenant Colonel Roden Orbon, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the four Chinese nationals were arrested on Monday, March 24, in Nueva Vida village, M’Lang, North Cotabato.
The arrested individuals were identified as Liu Dezhen, Tang Zhongyi, Tianpei Wu, and Wang Lian Xu.
Orbon stated that the Chinese nationals were allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities and smuggling operations at Alpha Household Miscellaneous Chemical Products Manufacturing in Nueva Vida village, M’Lang, North Cotabato.
He added that, upon investigation, it was discovered that they were either working without valid visas or had misrepresented their visa status.
Major General Donald Gumiran, commander of the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, highlighted the military's crucial role in supporting law enforcement agencies.
The arrest of the four Chinese nationals was the result of a coordinated effort by the Bureau of Immigration, the National Bureau of Investigation-12 (NBI-12), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region-12, and the M’Lang Municipal Police Station, with support from the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central (6ID/JTFC).
“The successful arrest of these individuals reflects the strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the military in upholding our nation’s laws,” Gumiran said in a statement.
“The 6ID/JTFC remains committed to assisting government agencies in ensuring national security and protecting communities from illegal activities,” he added.
He said the arrested individuals are now in the custody of the proper authorities for further investigation and legal proceedings. (SunStar Zamboanga)