GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Nine Chinese nationals were apprehended Sunday by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade for working without proper permits in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.

According to a report from Brigadier General Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, authorities conducted an inspection at the Helen Grace S. Camsa Precious Metal Mining Company in Barangay Chua.

During the operation, the team discovered that the foreign nationals were engaged in mining activities despite lacking the required work permits under Philippine immigration laws.

While the miners were able to present valid passports, they failed to show any documentation authorizing their employment in the country. This constitutes a clear violation of immigration regulations.

The Chinese nationals surrendered voluntarily and are now in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration for further investigation and processing.

The Helen Grace S. Camsa Precious Metal Mining Company holds an official exploration permit for copper and gold extraction. It remains unclear whether the firm will face sanctions for employing undocumented foreign workers.

The BI has yet to issue an official statement on potential deportation proceedings or penalties against the company.