Chinese national arrested in Batangas for false identity

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese national was arrested in Batangas for allegedly misrepresenting himself as a Filipino citizen, the Bureau of Immigration said.

In a statement on Monday, April 13, the bureau said the arrest took place on April 10 in Barangay Malainin in Ibaan.

The suspect was identified as 35-year-old Zhou Jianxiao, who used the alias "Donny Flores."

Zhou used the alias on a Philippine driver's license that identified him as a Filipino citizen, according to the bureau.

At the time of his arrest, Zhou was found managing operations at a local warehouse.

A further inspection of the facility led to the apprehension of three other Chinese nationals identified as Li Qican, Ji Jingui and Chen Longlong.

They were arrested for various immigration violations, including overstaying, violating the conditions of their stay, and working without the required visas or permits, the bureau said.

Zhou is facing charges for violating Section 37(a)(7) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, for using Philippine documents to assume a false Filipino identity.

The arrest is the latest in a string of cases involving Chinese nationals accused of posing as Filipinos using local identification documents.