Sino mall owner arrested forfraud, document falsification

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- A Chinese national who owns commercial establishments in Legazpi City, namely, Yashano Mall and Hong Enterprises, was arrested on Monday, February 2, for alleged fraud, falsification of public documents, and violations of Philippine immigration laws.

Police Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5), said the suspect, identified only by his alias “Jong,” was apprehended by joint operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Region 5 (NICA-5), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Regional Intelligence Division, and the Legazpi City Police Station.

The arrest was carried out along Terminal Road 1, beside Yashano Mall in Barangay 37-Bitano, Legazpi City, following the issuance of a Mission Order for multiple alleged violations, including possession of fraudulent documents and illegal claims to Philippine citizenship.

Calubaquib said records show that the Chinese national has been residing in Legazpi City for about 24 years. He reportedly entered the Philippines in August 2002 under a Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) and was later granted a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) in 2009.

“Investigations revealed that he falsely obtained a Philippine driver’s license by claiming Filipino nationality and used an invalid Tax Identification Number in registering a company with the Securities and Exchange Commission,” Calubaquib said.

She added that these acts allegedly constitute violations of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, and the Revised Penal Code provisions on falsification of public documents.

Under Operations Order No. SBM-2014-048, Section 3, authorities classified the suspect as an undesirable alien for allegedly posing risks to public interest, national security, public order, and public policy.

Police Brig. Gen. Erosito N. Miranda, acting regional director of PRO-5, said the arrest forms part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal residency and document fraud.

“The Police Regional Office will continue to work closely with partner agencies to combat illegal residency and fraudulent document schemes. This operation reinforces our commitment to protecting national security and upholding the integrity of public documents,” Miranda said.

He added that the police will sustain coordination with concerned agencies to ensure swift and transparent enforcement of immigration and related laws, in line with the PNP’s service thrust.