BI Detains Two Illegal Chinese Workers in Cebu

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado

BI Detains Two Illegal Chinese Workers in Cebu

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | March 24, 2026

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested two Chinese nationals in separate operations in Cebu for engaging in unauthorized employment, signaling an intensified campaign against immigration law violators.

The arrests highlight the government’s commitment to protecting the local labor market and ensuring the integrity of business operations.

On March 19, BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) operatives, supported by the Intelligence Division and government intelligence forces, apprehended Wu Zunsheng (alias Rey), 35, who was found actively managing a cellphone and accessories shop along Osmeña Boulevard, Barangay Ermita in Cebu City.

Despite holding a working visa for a marketing consultant position with a Makati-based petitioner, investigations revealed he was working for multiple businesses in Cebu, including a hardware company, none of which were covered by his approved employment visa. He also lacked a valid Alien Employment Permit from DOLE Region 7.

Meanwhile, Zheng Hongyou (alias Jerry Ty), 34, was arrested at a scrap metal recycling facility in Consolacion, Cebu, where he was supervising Filipino workers.

Although he held a working visa as a Chinese consultant for a Manila-based company, he was performing managerial functions for a Cebu-based corporation, a role inconsistent with the purpose of his visa. Intelligence reports also linked him to other local business operations under monitoring.

Both individuals were unable to present valid passports or identification during their arrests. They are now in BI custody, facing charges for violating the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 due to working for companies other than their declared petitioners and exceeding the scope of their visas.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued a stern warning: “We are closely monitoring foreign nationals who misuse their visas to engage in unauthorized employment. If found working outside the scope of your approved visa, you will be arrested and deported. We will not allow our immigration system to be exploited at the expense of Filipino workers and legitimate businesses.”