Tacloban: The arrest of 12 Chinese nationals employed by an Internet service provider in this city uncovered a clear pattern of alleged fraudulent activity, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) district office here said on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the BI said several Chinese nationals reportedly entered the country on tourist visas and then attempted to secure working visas by applying for Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) using invalid Tax Identification Numbers (TINs).

'Furthermore, others had obtained AEPs through different, unrelated companies but were illegally working for Ocean Wave Communications, a direct breach of their permit conditions,' the BI stated.

The company and its foreign personnel are also facing allegations of broader offenses, including labor law violations through misrepresentation, breaches of corporate law due to inconsistencies in official registration documents, and multiple tax offenses related to the use of erroneous TINs.

A major, multi-agency operation on Oct. 15 resulted in the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals in Barangay 95-A Caibaan in this city, on serious charges, including immigration fraud, illegal employment, and tax offenses.

Authorities said the arrested individuals were officials and employees of Ocean Wave Communications (Philippines) Corp., also known as Hailang Communications, an Internet service provider operating in Leyte province.

According to the BI, the foreign nationals violated Section 9(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act by engaging in gainful employment without the mandatory working visa or permit.

The 12 suspects are in BI custody and will face immediate deportation proceedings. Legal action against Ocean Wave Communications is also being prepared for its alleged complicity in the scheme.

The operation is a coordinated effort by the BI, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police.