BI admits scheme of ‘Chinese mafia’ a national security concern

MANILA, Philippines —  The Bureau of Immigration (BI) admitted Thursday that it is a “national security concern” when foreigners can acquire Philippine passports and other documents illegally to enter the country.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said all government agencies must work together to deal with the problem concerning the so-called “Chinese mafia.”

“We are thankful that lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are taking action against this scheme that we have previously sounded the alarm on. Our officers and agents have intercepted numerous such cases of foreign nationals pretending to be Filipinos by using different Philippine documents,” Sandoval said in a statement.

“We see this as a national security concern that should be addressed holistically by all government agencies concerned,” she added.

Previously, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers called on the BI, Philippine Statistics Authority, and local government units to catch members of the alleged syndicate.

READ: Hunt on for Chinese drug suspects using legit PH IDs

The Chinese mafia is said to be illegally procuring legitimate Philippine passports for Chinese nationals posing as Filipino traders.

READ: Chinese woman with fake documents arrested at Naia

Sandoval said the BI is willing to provide data on previous interceptions and trends, and even future arrests, if needed by investigators.

“We will continue our strict immigration formalities for both arriving and departing foreigners, as well as our monitoring of aliens residing and sojourning in the country to be able to rid the country of such illegal aliens,” she said.

Sandoval then encouraged the public to report to the BI any foreigners who might be abusing Philippine documents such as Philippine passports so an investigation may be initiated against the aliens that could lead to their eventual arrest and deportation.