THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) airlifted 20 Chinese nationals to Metro Manila on April 30, utilizing a Tactical Operations Wing–Eastern Mindanao (TOW-EM) C-295 aircraft.
The operation was part of the inter-agency efforts to enforce immigration and environmental laws.
Upon arrival, the individuals were formally turned over to the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility (BIWF) in Muntinlupa for detention and processing.
The 20 foreign nationals were originally apprehended on April 22 during a joint operation by EastMinCom and the BI.
They face charges for alleged violations of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, specifically Section 37(a)(9) in relation to Section 45(e), for engaging in unauthorized economic activities.
Reports indicate that the individuals are linked to illegal mining operations, a violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Authorities have intensified their crackdown on unregulated mining across Mindanao in recent months, citing serious concerns over environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and regional security.
EastMinCom stated that the mission underscores the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capability for rapid air mobility and its vital role in supporting civil law enforcement.
The command reiterated its commitment to strengthening inter-agency coordination with the BI and other government partners to ensure the strict enforcement of national laws, the protection of natural resources, and the preservation of public order.
