80 Chinese detained for illegal mining

MASINLOC, Zambales: Eighty Chinese allegedly working in a mining firm in Masinloc, Zambales were detained by the Philippine National Police Friday.
Police Senior Supt. Rafael Santiago, Zambales provincial director of the Philippine National Police confirmed that the 80 Chinese nationals were in the vicinity of Coto Mining Inc. (CMI) located in Barangay Taltal, Sitio Coto in Masinloc, Zambales.

Santiago said that of the 80 Chinese miners, 70 were unable to present any working permit.

He added that they have been receiving reports that a number of Chinese men were working in the area.

Santiago said the Chinese nationals were discovered after receiving reports that illegal mining of chromite was being made in the said area.

“We will let them stay in the fenced area of the mining site until we talk to the Bureau of Immigration. Until then, they will stay there. It is up to the immigration what to do with them,” Santiago added.

Police had to restrict them knowing they have allegedly violated the law in the Philippines, Santiago further explained.

Local miners in the area said that some of the Chinese nationals working in the area had been there since last year.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. of Zambales has previously ordered the crackdown on illegal mining operations in the province.

According to Santiago, the mining site was allegedly being operated by Companhia Minera Tu-bajon Inc. (CMTI) owned by a certain Arsenia Lim.

CMTI is allegedly operating without any permit to transport and export mineral ore to China. –Anthony Bayarong, Manila Times