A joint operation between the Bureau of Immigration Region XI and the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division netted 24 Chinese nationals in Panabo City, Davao del Norte on May 25, 2026, following intelligence reports flagging the presence of foreign nationals suspected of working illegally and carrying questionable immigration documents.
The arrests were made in Barangay New Little Panay, with authorities alleging violations of Commonwealth Act No. 613, or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. Initial findings pointed to three categories of infractions: misrepresentation, working without valid employment permits, and overstaying beyond the terms of their visas.
A particularly notable finding from the early stages of the investigation was that many of those arrested had been employed by various companies while holding only tourist visas — a status that does not authorize any form of work in the country.
The 10th Infantry Division described the operation as part of broader efforts to monitor activities that may run afoul of existing regulations, and as an example of what coordinated interagency enforcement looks like in practice. Officials framed the outcome as evidence of sustained collaboration between immigration and military authorities in addressing illegal activities involving foreign nationals.
As of reporting, authorities had not disclosed what specific charges or administrative actions might be filed. The Bureau of Immigration and military officials said verification and documentation procedures remained ongoing, with investigators also working to determine whether other individuals may be connected to the alleged violations.
