MAPUN, Tawi-Tawi – Authorities intercepted two Chinese nationals with expired Philippine visas during a checkpoint operation at the Port of Mapun on August 15, 2025.
The operation was jointly carried out by the 1st Special Operations Unit (1st SOU) of the PNP Maritime Group and the Mapun Special Boat Crew (SBC), with support from the Mapun Municipal Police Station, Philippine Coast Guard, Marine Battalion Landing Team-4, Mapun Police Intelligence Unit, Tawi-Tawi Police Provincial Office, Regional Intelligence Unit 9 (RIU9), and PSS-NICA17 BARMM.
During inspection, authorities discovered that the foreigners’ visas had already expired as early as December 11, 2022. The two were informed of their violation under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 for overstaying in the country. Records from the Bureau of Immigration’s central system also confirmed their derogatory status.
Currently, the Chinese nationals are under the custody and security of the 1st SOU-Mapun SBC while arrangements are being made for their transfer to the Bureau of Immigration office in Zamboanga City once weather conditions improve.
Officials said the successful operation highlights the PNP Maritime Group’s intensified border security efforts to curb illegal stay of foreigners and strengthen maritime law enforcement in the country’s southern frontiers.