ILIGAN CITY — Two Chinese were arrested in a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Mahayahay here on March 4 for allegedly misrepresenting themselves as Filipino citizens and violating immigration laws.
The operation was conducted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in coordination with the Iligan City Police and military units under the Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN and the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.
Authorities identified the suspects as Xu Baogui, also known as Stanny Co., 51, and Cai Lizun, also known as Mia Co., 50.
Initial investigation showed that the two foreign nationals had allegedly been living in the Philippines for nearly two decades while engaging in business activities beyond the scope of their visa conditions.
Records further revealed that the suspects were using Filipino aliases in official documents and were found in possession of Philippine driver’s licenses issued under assumed identities. One of them was also reportedly able to obtain a late-registered Philippine birth certificate using a false identity.
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The suspects were arrested for alleged violations of Section 37(a)(9) in relation to Section 45(e) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended.
They were taken to the headquarters of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade for documentation and are expected to be turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for proper legal proceedings in accordance with existing immigration laws and procedures.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to strictly enforce immigration laws and to safeguard the integrity of the country’s civil registry and identification systems.
