200 foreigners processed in Zamboanga Sibugay operation vs. scams, trafficking, military says

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Some 200 foreigners were processed in an operation against human trafficking, immigration violations, and scam-related activities in Alicia and Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, the military said Friday.

Philippine Army's 1st Infantry Division (1ID) said the operation was led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Bureau of Immigration (BI), with security support from the Joint Task Force (JTF) ZAMPELAN.

"The operation stemmed from sustained intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination concerning suspected illegal activities in the area involving approximately 200 foreign nationals," the 1ID said in a statement.

"Their immigration status, individual circumstances, and possible involvement in any unlawful activity remain subject to verification and investigation by the competent authorities," it added.

Authorities are verifying the immigration status and circumstances of the foreign nationals, as well as their possible involvement in illegal activities.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of around 2,000 mobile phones, as well as numerous computers, laptops, and other electronic equipment.

Authorities are investigating possible cases of human trafficking, exploitation, coercion, illegal recruitment, and restriction of movement.

JTF ZAMPELAN and 1ID commander Major General Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr. said, "Those who may have been victimized must receive the protection and assistance they need, while those found responsible for violations of our laws must be held accountable through the proper legal process."

The Philippine Army said the operation was conducted under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 and the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended.

The NBI and BI will provide further details on the nationalities of the foreign nationals processed, arrests, evidence recovered, and possible charges after validation and documentation. — VDV, GMA News