ILIGAN City — Fifteen Chinese nationals are under immigration investigation after surfacing at a police station in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, as authorities seek to establish whether they were connected to a previously uncovered scam hub or were possible victims of human trafficking.
The Bureau of Immigration–Regional Intelligence Operations Unit XI, assisted by the Army's 106th Infantry Battalion and other intelligence units, served Mission Order No. 2026-365 against the 15 nationals on Oct. 13.
The individuals reportedly surfaced at the Alicia Municipal Police Station, where police assisted them. Authorities are checking their identities, immigration status and possible links to suspected transnational criminal activities.
Investigators have yet to determine the individual roles of the 15 nationals or establish whether they were involved in the alleged scam operations.
Their lawyer, Atty. Eduardo Alegata, was present during the proceedings to safeguard their legal rights and ensure due process.
After the operation, the group was transferred to Casa De Coco Pensione House in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, for further processing, documentation and immigration verification.
### Possible links to earlier operation
Initial reports linked the 15 nationals to individuals apprehended during a separate law enforcement operation on Oct. 2 in Barangay Tandiong Muslim, Alicia.
Authorities are pursuing these leads to determine whether the cases are connected. No confirmed findings establishing the group's involvement in the alleged scam hub have been provided.
The investigation also seeks to determine whether any of the individuals may have been recruited, transported or forced to participate in criminal activities, including through possible human trafficking.
The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division said it would continue providing security and operational support to authorized government agencies conducting lawful operations in its area of responsibility.
For now, the immigration inquiry remains ongoing, and the nationals' possible involvement in criminal activity or status as trafficking victims has yet to be established.
