CAMP SANG-AN, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities apprehended two Chinese nationals in Zamboanga del Norte after uncovering their alleged involvement in an unauthorized gold processing operation, officials said Tuesday, in what security forces described as part of a broader crackdown on illegal or unregulated exploitation of natural resources in the region.
The joint enforcement action was carried out on March 3, 2026, by the Bureau of Immigration and the Sibutad Municipal Police Station, with security support from Philippine Army units under Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN, including elements of the 102nd Infantry (Igsoon) Brigade and the 97th Infantry Battalion.
Authorities implemented BI Mission Order No. 2026-089 against the suspects for alleged violations of Section 37(a)(7) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. The provision covers foreign nationals who overstay in the country or engage in gainful business activities without the proper visa or permit.
Arrested during the operation were Tao Zhang, 59, from Shaanxi Province, China, and Chenggong Zhang, 41, from Hubei Province, China.
Unauthorized Mineral Processing Uncovered
Investigators said the two men were discovered operating a gold ball milling facility used to process mineral ore. Officials noted that such activity may constitute unauthorized mineral processing when conducted without the required permits and compliance with regulatory standards.
Authorities said the operation was uncovered during ongoing environmental scanning and monitoring within the joint operational area of security forces deployed in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Security officials warned that unregulated mineral processing operations can pose serious environmental, economic, and regulatory risks, particularly when carried out outside government oversight.
Local residents had earlier raised concerns about the condition of the facility and reported disputes involving rental obligations with the property owner—issues that further prompted scrutiny from authorities.
Environmental and Community Risks
Officials emphasized that illegal or unregulated mineral processing can cause significant environmental harm, including soil degradation, contamination of water sources, and unsafe working conditions that may affect nearby communities.
Security personnel stressed that monitoring such activities is necessary to ensure that resource extraction remains lawful and environmentally responsible.
“Operations like this are essential to ensure that our natural resources are not exploited through unauthorized activities,” a security official said. “Foreign nationals who intend to conduct business in the Philippines must comply with our immigration, environmental, and regulatory laws.”
Inter-Agency Operation
Authorities said the operation highlights the coordinated enforcement efforts among the Bureau of Immigration, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in addressing violations involving foreign nationals and natural resource exploitation.
The two apprehended individuals were turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for appropriate legal proceedings.
Officials reiterated that foreign nationals engaging in business or economic activities in the Philippines must strictly follow immigration and regulatory requirements, adding that monitoring operations will continue to detect and address unauthorized activities involving the country’s natural resources.