Three Chinese nationals were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in separate enforcement operations in Zamboanga City and Tabuk City for alleged violations of Philippine immigration laws.

In Zamboanga City, BI intelligence operatives arrested Chinese national Rongtian Shi, 40, during an operation on 2 February at a cellphone and accessories store along Maria Clara Street in Barangay Zone 3.

Authorities said Shi was actively managing the business and engaging with customers at the time of his arrest.

BI records showed discrepancies in Shi’s employment documents, as his working visa was petitioned by a company based in Quezon City. The bureau said this arrangement violates Philippine immigration laws.

Meanwhile, on the same day in Tabuk City, Kalinga, BI operatives arrested Huang Xilai, 57, inside a commercial establishment in Barangay Dagupan Centro.

Prior to his arrest, Huang was observed personally managing store operations, giving instructions to Filipino workers, and performing cashier duties. BI records showed that he had overstayed and was engaged in gainful employment without the required visa or permit. He was also unable to present valid travel documents and only showed a digital copy of his passport.

In a separate operation on 2 February in Barangay Bulanao, Tabuk City, BI operatives arrested three other Chinese nationals inside another commercial establishment for similar violations. These included overstaying, engaging in gainful occupation without proper authorization, working outside the scope of their visa petition, and being undocumented.

The arrested individuals were identified as Huang Huifang, 51; Huang Menggui, 24; and Huang Mengjiao, 28.

All arrested foreign nationals were transported to Manila for booking, medical examination, biometrics processing, and documentation in preparation for preliminary investigation and possible deportation proceedings.