CAMP SANG-AN, Zamboanga del Sur — The Bureau of Immigration, backed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines—particularly the 102nd Infantry (Igsoon) Brigade under the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division—carried out two separate immigration enforcement operations in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, leading to the arrest of foreign nationals for alleged violations of Philippine immigration laws.
In Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, BI operatives apprehended Lieben Chen, also known as “Peter Chen,” a Chinese national. Initial BI records show that Chen was admitted under a 9G pre-arranged employment visa but was allegedly engaged in business activities beyond the scope of his authorized employment, a violation of immigration regulations.
The BI also identified Lieyong Chen and Weng Yashen, also known as “Serena Adrid Weng,” both Chinese nationals, as persons of interest linked to separate immigration and documentary irregularities. Authorities said the two were not present during the operation and were not apprehended. Preliminary verification is ongoing regarding their alleged irregular acquisition of a Philippine birth certificate and passport, reportedly connected to travel, property, and business transactions. These matters remain subject to further validation and possible administrative action.
In a separate operation in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, BI operatives arrested Jianhong Liu, also known as “Kent Sy,” after verification indicated that he was operating and managing a business while holding only a temporary visitor’s or tourist visa—an activity inconsistent with the conditions of his authorized stay.
Both operations were conducted under duly issued BI mission orders. Based on initial findings, the apprehended foreign nationals are being processed for alleged violations of Section 37(a)(7) on misrepresentation and Section 45(f) on fraud of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended. They are currently under BI custody pending administrative proceedings, with authorities stressing that due process and existing laws are being strictly observed.
The Tabak Division reiterated its firm commitment to public safety and to safeguarding the integrity of the country’s immigration system, while ensuring respect for human rights and lawful procedures. All actions, the military said, are being undertaken in close coordination with civilian authorities.
Major General Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 1st Infantry Division, expressed full support for the ongoing investigations, emphasizing that outcomes will be determined solely by facts, evidence, and the rule of law.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the 1st Infantry Division, remains steadfast in supporting lawful processes that protect our national security and the integrity of our laws,” Barroquillo said. “We respect the authority of our civilian counterparts and trust that this matter will be resolved based on facts, evidence, and due process.”
The enforcement actions underscore the BI’s mandate to regulate the entry, stay, and activities of foreign nationals in the Philippines, in line with the AFP’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations and the government’s whole-of-nation approach to upholding national security and the rule of law.