7 Chinese held for illegal sand dredging

MANILA, Philippines — Seven Chinese citizens were arrested on Wednesday for working without visas and engaging in illegal sand dredging in Masinloc, Zambales.

According to a report submitted to Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente, agents of the BI’s intelligence division and the police’s 305th Maneuver Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion and Central Luzon Regional Special Operations Group conducted the operation.

“The arrested foreigners violated not only our immigration laws but also the Philippine Mining Act and Executive Order 292,” Morente said.

BI intelligence officers Ricardo Cabochan and John Mendez, who led the arresting team, identified the suspects as Chen Shiniu, Chen Shaoshao, Xu Xiansheng, Jiang Xin, Zhao Yihong, Gong Yaan and Xie Yuhong.

The suspects were brought to the BI main office for inquest proceedings.