The Bureau of Immigration announced on Friday in Manila the arrest of four Chinese nationals in separate operations in Palawan.

The four were identified as Lin Yongzhen, 45; Zhang Haicong, 49; Lin Tsung-Te, 58; and Zhang Jinfei, 47.

They were arrested over immigration-related violations, including working without the proper permits, misrepresenting themselves as Filipino citizens, and involvement with a crime group.

According to BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., the operations were conducted in coordination with government intelligence units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the National Bureau of Investigation.

The foreigners were held at the BI's detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig, while facing deportation cases.

Lin Yongzhen and Zhang Haicong were arrested in El Nido. Lin was found to be working under a tourist visa, while Zhang was found to be working under a working visa under a separate company.

Zhang Haicong and Lin Tsung-Te, on the other hand, were arrested in Taytay. Zhang possessed a working visa, but he was working at a different worksite. Lin failed to present his passport and was found to have been overstaying since 2016.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jinfei was arrested in Puerto Princesa. He was found to be working in the area despite holding a working visa in a different location, in violation of immigration rules.

The BI said the Chinese were all found to be working in fisheries near naval bases.