Bongao — Three Chinese nationals were arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by joint law enforcement operatives in Tawi-Tawi after authorities allegedly caught them selling counterfeit mobile phones and other fake products while also facing immigration-related violations.
The operation was carried out at around 2:00 p.m. on May 7, 2026, at Beach Side Inn in Barangay Simandagit, Bongao, led by personnel of the Maritime Group’s 1st Special Operations Unit (1st SOU-MG) in coordination with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) 17 BARMM, 2nd MCIC, Tawi-Tawi Maritime Police Station, Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) Tawi-Tawi, and the Bongao Municipal Police Station.
Authorities said the three foreign nationals were arrested for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, and Commonwealth Act No. 613, also known as the Immigration Act of 1940.
Initial investigation revealed that one of the suspects, a male Chinese national, was holding a passport with an expired visa, while the two other male Chinese nationals reportedly failed to present passports and were only carrying alien certificates.
Operatives seized a large volume of suspected counterfeit products during the operation, including 74 fake mobile phones, counterfeit wristwatches, charger cords, batteries, USB chargers, and bags. The confiscated items were estimated to be worth around Php410,100.
Authorities alleged that the suspects arrived in Bongao on May 3, 2026 aboard Cebu Pacific Flight 5J 839 and had been going around Bongao, Panglima Sugala, and nearby barangays allegedly selling fake iPhones and branded wristwatches at unusually low prices.
Police intelligence reports further indicated that the suspects were allegedly engaged in suspicious information-gathering activities among residents, raising possible security concerns for authorities in the province. Investigators also disclosed that one of the suspects had reportedly been monitored previously in Languyan from 2023 to 2024.
Following the operation, the arrested foreign nationals were brought to the headquarters of the 1st SOU-MG in Bongao for documentation and proper disposition. The case will be referred to the Department of Trade and Industry and the Bureau of Immigration for appropriate legal action.
The Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region said it will continue intensifying monitoring and enforcement operations against illegal foreign activities and the spread of counterfeit products in the province.
In a statement, PBGEN Christopher M. Abecia emphasized the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect national security and safeguard the public against unlawful activities in coastal communities.