- PLA uniforms, explosives found as 20 foreigners arrested in Davao raid
By Rhoda Grace B Saron
A JOINT task force led by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) XI and the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division apprehended 20 Chinese nationals on Wednesday, April 22, uncovering what appears to be a sophisticated illegal mining network operating in the Davao region.
The operation, which targeted sites in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, and Tagum City, Davao del Norte, was initially launched to serve mission orders 2026-151 and 152 for suspected immigration violations. However, the raid took a turn upon the discovery of high-level contraband.
Reportedly, authorities discovered mineral resources and heavy mining equipment, explosives used for extraction, and Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) uniforms, raising questions regarding the background and intent of the foreign nationals.
Initial investigation suggested that the individuals—all holders of tourist visas—have been overstaying and engaged in unauthorized small-scale mining for an extended period. Authorities believe the gold and mineral ores extracted were intended for smuggling out of the country.
Under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, the suspects are being held for “undesirability” due to expired visas (Section 37(a)(9)). Furthermore, they face potential prosecution under Republic Act 7942 (the Philippine Mining Act of 1995) for operating without the necessary government environmental and extraction permits.
“This operation underscores the importance of inter-agency coordination,” said Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10ID. “It not only addressed immigration violations but also exposed illegal activities that threaten our natural resources and national security.”
The Bureau of Immigration and military intelligence are currently probing the depth of the network. The presence of military uniforms has added a layer of complexity to the case, as investigators look into whether the mining operation has broader security implications beyond environmental and economic crimes.
The 20 suspects remain in custody as the government intensifies its crackdown on unlawful activities involving foreign nationals in Mindanao.
Photo courtesy of 10th ID
