By Richel V. Umel,
Contributor
ILIGAN CITY — Two Chinese were arrested in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte, for alleged involvement in unauthorized gold processing, authorities said.
The operation was carried out on March 3 by the Bureau of Immigration, in coordination with the Sibutad Municipal Police Station and security forces from the Philippine Army under Joint Task Force Zampelan, including the 102nd Infantry Brigade and the 97th Infantry Battalion.
Lieutenant Col. Malinche Tomarong, chief of the 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, said the arrests were based on BI Mission Order No. 2026-089 for violations of Section 37(a)(7) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, citing overstaying and engaging in business without the proper visa or permit.
Arrested were Tao Zhang, 59, from Shaanxi Province, and Chenggong Zhang, 41, from Hubei Province.
Investigators said the two were allegedly operating a gold ball mill facility used to process mineral ore without the required permits.
Authorities said the site was flagged during environmental monitoring in the Joint Task Force’s operational area, amid concerns over unregulated mineral processing that may pose environmental and economic risks.
Residents had also reportedly raised complaints about the facility and rental disputes with the property owner.
Tomarong said the operation forms part of broader government efforts to protect natural resources from illegal or unregulated exploitation.
He stressed that foreign nationals conducting business in the Philippines must comply with immigration, environmental, and regulatory laws.
The suspects were turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for proper legal proceedings, while authorities have coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–9's Mines and Geosciences Bureau for appropriate environmental action.
