NBI chief: Chinese not targeted in crackdown

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

This was according to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, saying, “It just so happened that the owner of the fishpens is Chinese.”

He clarified this as he addressed concerns over potential racial profiling amid the high-profile probe involving foreign nationals, unregistered fisheries, and alleged sabotage attempts.

The NBI’s statement comes in the wake of a high-stakes rescue operation conducted in coordination with the Alaminos District Office, during which agents reportedly thwarted a sabotage plot against a critical power facility.

NBI spokesman Ferdinand Lavin explained that suspects had been operating near a major power source without permits, in violation of marine control zone laws. Intelligence reports suggested that their activities could have triggered a blackout during a sensitive national period, prompting urgent intervention. “There would have been severe consequences if this was not immediately addressed,” Lavin said.

The affected area, home to the Subic Bay power plant, had seen a surge in unregulated fishing activity. Investigations uncovered over 500 foreign-operated fishpens — many of which lacked certification or zoning clearance. The total number of individuals involved is estimated at 1,400, a significant portion of whom are believed to be operating outside the bounds of Philippine law.

Initial findings by the NBI showed several of the fishing operations are entirely foreign-owned, primarily by Chinese and European firms, and some are linked to companies already under scrutiny for child labor and human trafficking. Five individuals have been arrested, including a Filipino recruiter from Northern Samar identified only as “CJ,” who allegedly brought workers to the Subic facility.

The detained foreign nationals were described as business partners of Aryan House and Sierra San Juan Tech, companies now being investigated for broader violations. Authorities said at least seven suspects remain at large, and warrants are being prepared for foreign nationals involved in possible sabotage or immigration violations.

Lavin said what is troubling is the presence of dual identities among some individuals — Filipino and foreign — which raises concerns about document fraud and deeper networks of coordination.

Authorities suspect the operations may not be solely commercial in nature, adding, “If the business is not even profitable, then what’s the real purpose?” Lavin asked. “We are now studying whether this is a front for economic sabotage, or worse, a coordinated effort to disrupt our national infrastructure.”

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

The probe was launched in response to multiple complaints filed by the power plant operator and barangay leaders, who have cited ecological damage, marine erosion, and displacement of local livelihoods due to the unregulated influx of foreign fishers.

Santiago said it goes beyond illegal fishing as they are just protecting not only the country’s resources but the national sovereignty and public safety.