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BI Intercepts Four Chinese Nationals Trying To Evade Immigration At NAIA; Reinforces Marcos Directive On Border Integrity
Photo credit: BI
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold the integrity of Philippine borders and take firm action against immigration violators, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) successfully intercepted four Chinese nationals at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Monday.
According to the Bureau, the four individuals—identified as Zhang Zhaoya, Wang Linmei, Qi Xiangyang, and Chen Wenda—attempted to leave the country without undergoing the required immigration inspection. Officers from the Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES) flagged and stopped the passengers as they were about to board separate flights bound for China and Vietnam.
Upon verification, BI officials discovered that three of the individuals had been overstaying in the Philippines—Zhang since July 2024, and Wang and Qi since September 2024. Meanwhile, Chen, though holding a valid work visa, lacked the mandatory Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), a requirement for long-term residents before leaving the country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado praised the vigilance of the I-PROBES personnel, saying their swift action demonstrates the Bureau’s continued commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting national security.
“This interception reflects the Bureau’s firm resolve to prevent foreign nationals who violate our immigration laws from escaping accountability,” Viado said. “We are implementing redundancy checks, utilizing CCTV monitoring systems, and strengthening coordination among our units to prevent these attempts.”
Viado also revealed that three immigration officers are currently under investigation for possible involvement in the attempted departure. He stressed the BI’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, affirming that any personnel found to have colluded with the violators will face the full force of the law.
The four individuals have been turned over to the BI’s legal division for inquest and the filing of appropriate charges.
The incident highlights the Bureau’s heightened border control efforts as part of the Marcos administration’s broader agenda to safeguard the country from immigration violations and preserve the rule of law at ports of entry and exit.
According to the Bureau, the four individuals—identified as Zhang Zhaoya, Wang Linmei, Qi Xiangyang, and Chen Wenda—attempted to leave the country without undergoing the required immigration inspection. Officers from the Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES) flagged and stopped the passengers as they were about to board separate flights bound for China and Vietnam.
Upon verification, BI officials discovered that three of the individuals had been overstaying in the Philippines—Zhang since July 2024, and Wang and Qi since September 2024. Meanwhile, Chen, though holding a valid work visa, lacked the mandatory Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), a requirement for long-term residents before leaving the country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado praised the vigilance of the I-PROBES personnel, saying their swift action demonstrates the Bureau’s continued commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting national security.
“This interception reflects the Bureau’s firm resolve to prevent foreign nationals who violate our immigration laws from escaping accountability,” Viado said. “We are implementing redundancy checks, utilizing CCTV monitoring systems, and strengthening coordination among our units to prevent these attempts.”
Viado also revealed that three immigration officers are currently under investigation for possible involvement in the attempted departure. He stressed the BI’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, affirming that any personnel found to have colluded with the violators will face the full force of the law.
The four individuals have been turned over to the BI’s legal division for inquest and the filing of appropriate charges.
The incident highlights the Bureau’s heightened border control efforts as part of the Marcos administration’s broader agenda to safeguard the country from immigration violations and preserve the rule of law at ports of entry and exit.
Jun 6, 2025
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