PANACAN, Davao City — The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) confirmed the airlift of 20 Chinese nationals to Metro Manila on April 30, marking a significant development in an ongoing crackdown on alleged illegal mining activities and immigration violations in Mindanao.
The transfer was carried out using a C-295 aircraft operated by the Tactical Operations Wing – Eastern Mindanao (TOW-EM). Personnel from EastMinCom, in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), facilitated the secure and orderly transport from Eastern Mindanao to the National Capital Region. Upon arrival, the individuals were formally handed over to BI Warden Facility personnel and escorted to the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility in Muntinlupa for further processing and detention.
The group was apprehended on April 22 during a joint law enforcement operation conducted by EastMinCom and immigration authorities in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, and Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The operation targeted foreign nationals suspected of violating provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, particularly those related to unauthorized engagement in economic activities.
Authorities said the individuals, who were reportedly holding tourist visas, had either overstayed or were found engaging in activities beyond the scope of their permitted stay. Investigators have since linked the group to suspected illegal mining operations, potentially violating Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The April 22 operation uncovered what officials described as an active illegal mining site. Seized from the area were mineral resources, heavy equipment, and explosives—materials typically associated with large-scale extraction. None of the individuals reportedly presented valid permits or documentation authorizing mining operations, raising concerns over unauthorized exploitation of mineral resources.
The discovery of military-type uniforms allegedly linked to China’s People’s Liberation Army added a more alarming dimension to the case. While authorities have yet to verify the origin and intended use of the uniforms, officials acknowledged that the find raises serious national security concerns and has prompted a deeper investigation into possible broader implications.
Law enforcement agencies are now pursuing additional charges against the suspects, including violations of mining and explosives regulations, alongside immigration offenses. Authorities are also expanding the probe to determine whether the individuals are part of a larger transnational network involved in illicit activities.
EastMinCom emphasized that the successful airlift highlights the military’s rapid air mobility capability and its critical role in supporting civilian law enforcement agencies. The Command underscored the importance of sustained inter-agency coordination to ensure the effective enforcement of immigration and environmental laws, as well as the protection of the country’s natural resources.
Officials further assured the public of continued vigilance, noting that intensified operations against illegal and unregulated mining in Mindanao are ongoing due to their environmental impact, loss of government revenue, and potential links to security threats.
The detained individuals remain under government custody as legal proceedings and investigations continue.