Zamboanga Peninsula: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has expressed concerns about the ongoing issue of foreigners using illegally-acquired Philippine identities, suggesting that these individuals may be engaging in espionage or other criminal activities within the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, BI intelligence operatives in Region 9, in collaboration with military intelligence units, recently apprehended four foreigners pretending to be Filipinos in Zamboanga del Sur. One of these individuals was discovered to be operating a business without the required documentation.

"The arrest stems from the BI's intensified drive against illegal aliens using fake identities, in line with President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s directive to prevent foreign threats from entering and operating in the country," stated BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

The BI has identified the arrested individuals as Wang Yunpeng, 46; Lin Shaozhang, 34; Liu Yang, 45; and Wang Jingcai, 41. They were all taken into custody on June 16. Wang Yunpeng, who possessed documents falsely identifying him as Filipino, admitted to running a coconut charcoal business since 2022 without the necessary permits and visa. Liu Yang and Lin Shaozhang were associated with Wang's business as a worker and manager, respectively, while Wang Jingcai was caught managing a cellphone shop with a driver's license falsely indicating Filipino nationality.

All suspects were initially taken to the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office for inquiry and safekeeping before being transferred to the BI's facility in Bicutan, Taguig. They are currently facing deportation proceedings. Commissioner Viado emphasized the ongoing problem of foreigners obtaining authentic Philippine documents despite not being eligible for citizenship.