The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested three individuals in Zamboanga del Sur who allegedly misrepresented themselves as Filipinos using fake identification cards to illegally stay and work in the country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the illegal use of Philippine identities remains a problem, as foreign nationals can acquire authentic Philippine documents despite not being eligible for citizenship.
He added that foreign nationals pretending to be Filipinos might be embedding themselves in the country for espionage or to commit criminal activities.
Immigration operatives in Zamboanga Peninsula, in coordination with intelligence units of the Philippine Army, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the 53rd Infantry Battalion, conducted a series of arrests in the region.
Arrested were Wang Yunpeng of Purok Magallanes, Brgy. Tikwas in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur; Liu Yang, who was found working without a permit in Wang’s business; and Lin Shaozhang, who was managing the said business.
Operating a coconut charcoal business since 2022, Wang was found to be misrepresenting himself as a Filipino without a proper permit and visa. Meanwhile, Lin and Yang were both found in possession of a Philippine driver’s license indicating their nationality as Filipino.
All three were since brought to the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig, while facing deportation cases.
