CAMP SANG-AN, Zamboanga del Sur — Government authorities have arrested four Chinese nationals in two successive joint law enforcement operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula, intensifying efforts to clamp down on immigration violations and illegal activities involving foreign nationals.
The operations, conducted on April 14 and April 16, 2026, were spearheaded by the Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Mindanao, with support from troops under Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN and the Philippine National Police.
First Operation Nets Three in Zamboanga City
At around 9:00 a.m. on April 14, authorities implemented Mission Order No. 2020-136 at a commercial establishment along Gov. Camins Avenue in Zamboanga City, leading to the arrest of three Chinese nationals identified as Lin Weidong, 57; Xie Meiya, 54; and Qiu Meiyu, 41 — all natives of Fujian, People’s Republic of China.
According to authorities, the trio was found to have violated Philippine immigration and public documentation laws. They were deemed undesirable foreign nationals under Section 3 of Operations Order No. SBM 2014-048 for posing risks to public interest, national security, and public order.
Separate Operation in Zamboanga Sibugay
In a follow-up operation on April 16 at around 7:50 a.m., a joint team carried out another enforcement action at a hardware store in Barangay Lower Taway, Ipil. This led to the arrest of a fourth suspect identified as Lin Wenyu, also known as Anson Lais Lim, 52.
Investigators revealed that Lin had allegedly falsified his identity by claiming Philippine citizenship to obtain government-issued identification cards and corporate documents. Authorities said this act constitutes violations of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 and provisions of the Revised Penal Code on falsification.
During the operation, law enforcement agents also confiscated illegally smuggled goods, including exotic animals, raising further concerns over illicit trade activities linked to the suspect.
The arrested individual was subsequently turned over to the local police for proper documentation and legal proceedings.
Military Commends Inter-Agency Coordination
Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, lauded the seamless coordination among military intelligence units, immigration authorities, and police forces.
He stressed that the successful operations underscore the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ firm commitment to protecting national security and maintaining public order in the region.
“These decisive actions reflect our unwavering resolve to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the country from threats posed by illegal activities involving foreign nationals,” Barroquillo said.
Sustained Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Activities
The twin operations highlight the government’s intensified campaign against foreign nationals engaged in unlawful activities, particularly those exploiting weaknesses in immigration and documentation systems.
Authorities emphasized that strengthened collaboration among the AFP, BI, and PNP remains crucial in ensuring that violators are held accountable and that the integrity of the country’s immigration framework is preserved.
Officials also warned that similar operations will continue across the region as part of a broader strategy to deter illegal activities and reinforce national security safeguards.