7 Chinese nationals detained at BI for unlawful entry

MANILA, Philippines — Seven Chinese nationals who are experts in using technical dredging equipment have been taken into custody by authorities for unlawful entry, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Wednesday.

The BI identified the foreign nationals as Kang Yinxi, 55;  Wei Jiarui, 47; Zhuang Chugen, 42; Guo Yibin, 35; Lin Zongsen, 48; Liu Xinfu, 44; and Chen Min, 50.

“The suspects were unlawfully operating within Philippine waters without proper documentation,” said BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. in a press release.

The BI confirmed that all seven are working onboard the Philippine vessel M/V Sangko Uno as experts in using technical dredging equipment.

The undocumented foreigners were intercepted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at the Navotas port last September 15.

“The Philippines is not a playground for illegal aliens. The BI, together with our partners like the Coast Guard, will continue to stand against foreign threats to our sovereignty,” BI officer-in-charge Joel Anthony Viado said in a press release.

READ: Chinese presence at Escoda shoal peaks with 11 warships

All seven foreigners will remain detained at the BI while legal proceedings are ongoing.

They were turned over to the BI last September 20.

READ: China using PH soil to build islands in WPS; probe sought – group