Chinese Nationals Arrested in Iligan for Posing as Filipino Citizens
In a significant law enforcement operation, two Chinese nationals were apprehended in Iligan City for falsely representing themselves as Filipino citizens and breaching the Philippine Immigration Act. The military confirmed the arrest on Thursday, March 5, 2026, highlighting a case of identity fraud that has raised concerns about immigration security.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
The 1st Infantry Division (1ID) reported that the arrest occurred on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Mahayahay village, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. The individuals were identified as Boagui Xu, also known as Stanny Co, aged 51, and Lizun Cai, also known as Mia Co, aged 50. Both are Chinese citizens who have resided in the Philippines for nearly two decades while operating businesses.
Investigations revealed that the suspects used Filipino aliases in official documents to conceal their true identities. According to the 1ID, one of them obtained a late-registered Filipino birth certificate and a Philippine driver’s license under a fabricated Filipino identity. Additionally, both were found in possession of Philippine driver’s licenses issued under their assumed names, further substantiating the allegations of misrepresentation.
Interagency Coordination and Legal Proceedings
The operation was a collaborative effort led by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Iligan City Police, with support from military units under the operational control of the 1ID and Joint Task Force Zampelan. Following their arrest, the two Chinese nationals were transported to the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade headquarters at Camp Sultan Badrodin in Maria Cristina village, Iligan City, for documentation and disposition by BI personnel.
The 1ID emphasized that the successful execution of this operation underscores the robust interagency coordination among the BI, police, and military. This case serves as a testament to the effectiveness of joint efforts in enforcing immigration laws and combating identity fraud in the region.
Broader Context of Recent Arrests
This incident marks the second group of Chinese nationals arrested by authorities in the region within the same week. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, two other Chinese individuals, Tao Zhang, 59, from Shaanxi Province, and Chenggong Zhang, 41, from Hubei Province, were taken into custody. Their arrest was linked to involvement in an unauthorized gold processing operation in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte, highlighting ongoing efforts to address illegal activities by foreign nationals in the Philippines.
The arrests reflect a heightened focus on immigration compliance and law enforcement in the area, with authorities working diligently to uphold national security and legal integrity. As investigations continue, these cases may prompt further scrutiny of immigration processes and the verification of identities for long-term residents.
