Five Chinese nationals working without permits apprehended in Agusan del Sur

Five Chinese nationals were apprehended on Monday in Trento town, Agusan del Sur, Philippines, for allegedly working in a business establishment without proper permits. The report was made public on Saturday. The individuals were taken into custody at the Mayoka Enterprises compound in Purok 4, Barangay Pulang Lupa, Trento. The operation involved a joint effort by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), various units under Police Regional Office 13, and soldiers from the 67th Infantry Battalion, a unit under the Army's 10th Infantry Division. Major Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th ID, stated that BI officials immediately took custody of the five foreigners for procedural questioning regarding their lack of essential documents for legal employment in Trento. He clarified that the 67th IB's role in the operation was limited to providing security support to the civilian BI agents who enforced the detention based on state laws. The 67th IB personnel were also instrumental in the prior verification and confirmation of the reported employment of the five Chinese nationals in the business entity, which served as the basis for the apprehension. Illegal employment of foreign nationals in the Philippines can pose challenges to the domestic labor market and result in lost tax revenues. While demand for foreign workers exists, particularly in sectors like infrastructure and resource development, ensuring compliance with legal employment procedures remains a key concern for authorities.