2 Chinese nat’ls nabbed for unauthorized gold processing in Zamboanga

ILIGAN CITY — The Bureau of Immigration, along with joint law enforcement authorities in Sibutad town, Zamboanga del Norte province, arrested two Chinese nationals allegedly involved in unauthorized gold processing operations in the area.

Lt. Colonel Malinche Tomarong, chief of the public affairs division of the Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, said Tao Zhang, 59, a Chinese national from Shaanxi Province in China and Chenggong Zhang, 41, a Chinese national from Hubei Province also in China, were arrested at 8 a.m. on Tuesday in Sibutad town for operating a gold ball milling facility without the necessary permit and authorization from the national government.

He said the arrests were made based on the BI Mission Order No. 2026-089 for violations of Section 37(a)(7) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, specifically for overstaying and engaging in gainful business activities without the required visa or permit.

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BI officials were initially after the two Chinese nationals for overstaying and non-compliance with their visa requirements, but the pair were caught off guard at the site of their gold processing facility in the hinterland area of Sibutad town, Tomarong said.

He also said the presence of the Chinese nationals first came to their attention when they were conducting environmental scanning and monitoring activities in the area. “Local residents had previously raised concerns regarding the condition of the ball mill facility and disputes involving rental obligations with the property owner,” Tomarong said.

He said the operation was part of broader government efforts to protect the country’s natural resources from illegal or unregulated exploitation. Authorities noted that unauthorized mineral processing and illegal mining activities can cause significant environmental damage, including soil degradation, water contamination, and unsafe working conditions for surrounding communities.

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“Foreign nationals who intend to conduct business in the Philippines must comply with our immigration, environmental, and regulatory laws,” Tomarong said./coa