The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has clarified that it is not targeting Chinese nationals in its ongoing crackdown in Subic and Pangasinan, stressing that the operation is based on legal violations, not ethnicity or nationality.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago explained, “It just so happened that the owner of the fishpens is Chinese.”

This clarification came in response to concerns about potential racial profiling amid the high-profile investigation involving foreign nationals, unregistered fisheries, and alleged sabotage attempts.

The NBI’s statement follows a high-stakes rescue operation in coordination with the Alaminos District Office, during which agents reportedly thwarted a plot to sabotage a key power facility.

NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin said the suspects were operating near a major power source without permits, violating marine control zone laws. Intelligence reports suggested their activities could have triggered a blackout during a sensitive national period, prompting urgent action.

“There would have been severe consequences if this was not immediately addressed,” Lavin added.

The area, home to the Subic Bay power plant, has seen a surge in unregulated fishing activity. Investigations revealed over 500 foreign-operated fishpens, many lacking certification or zoning clearance.

Around 1,400 individuals are estimated to be involved, with a significant portion believed to be operating outside the bounds of Philippine law.

Initial findings by the NBI indicated that several fishing operations are foreign-owned, primarily by Chinese and European firms. Some of these companies are already under investigation for issues such as child labor and human trafficking.

Five individuals, including a Filipino recruiter from Northern Samar identified as “CJ,” have been arrested. The detained foreign nationals are business partners of Aryan House and Sierra San Juan Tech, companies now under investigation for broader violations.

Authorities are also seeking at least seven suspects who remain at large, with warrants being prepared for foreign nationals involved in potential sabotage or immigration violations

Lavin expressed concern over the presence of dual identities among some individuals — Filipino and foreign — which raises suspicions of document fraud and deeper networks of coordination.

He noted, “If the business is not even profitable, then what’s the real purpose?” Authorities are now studying whether this could be a front for economic sabotage or a coordinated effort to disrupt national infrastructure.

The investigation, conducted with the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Labor and Employment, and local police, has expanded to assess the legal status, ownership structures, and business viability of all involved entities.

The probe was initiated after multiple complaints from the power plant operator and barangay leaders, who have cited ecological damage, marine erosion, and displacement of local livelihoods due to the influx of foreign fishers.

Santiago stressed that the operation goes beyond illegal fishing, saying, “We are protecting not just the country’s resources, but our national sovereignty and public safety.”