TRENTO, Agusan del Sur — Five Chinese nationals were apprehended in a joint law enforcement operation in Trento, Agusan del Sur, after they were allegedly found violating Philippine immigration laws, the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army announced.
The operation was carried out on August 3, 2026, at the Mayokada Enterprise Compound in Purok 4, Barangay Pulang Lupa, Trento, through a coordinated Law Enforcement Support Operation (LESO) spearheaded by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) with security assistance from the 67th Infantry Battalion (67IB) under the 10th Infantry Division.
The operation also involved the participation of various intelligence and security agencies, along with local government partners, highlighting a unified government effort to enforce Philippine immigration laws and strengthen national security.
Authorities said the five foreign nationals were arrested for their alleged involvement in immigration-related offenses, including misrepresentation, fraud, and other violations of Philippine immigration regulations. Their identities have not yet been released pending the ongoing investigation.
Following their arrest, the five Chinese nationals were placed under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration, which will conduct further investigation and initiate the filing of appropriate charges in accordance with existing immigration laws.
Throughout the operation, troops from the 67th Infantry Battalion provided perimeter security and operational support to ensure the safe, orderly, and peaceful implementation of the law enforcement activity. The Philippine Army emphasized that its role was limited to providing security assistance while maintaining close coordination with the lead law enforcement agency.
Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, underscored the significance of inter-agency cooperation in protecting national security and preserving the integrity of the country’s immigration system.
“The Philippine Army remains steadfast in supporting legitimate law enforcement operations that protect our national security and uphold the rule of law. This successful inter-agency effort demonstrates the government’s unified commitment to ensuring that all foreign nationals in the country comply with Philippine laws while safeguarding the welfare and security of our communities,” Luzon said.
The military reiterated that the operation reflects the government’s continuing campaign against unlawful activities involving foreign nationals and reinforces its commitment to ensuring that immigration laws are strictly enforced.
The 10th Infantry Division also reaffirmed its support for partner law enforcement agencies in conducting lawful operations against individuals whose activities may threaten public order, national security, and the integrity of the country’s immigration system, stressing that sustained inter-agency collaboration remains essential in addressing security concerns and protecting the interests of the Filipino people.