NBI-6 stands by report on Chinese nationals in illegal activities

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Region 6 is adamant about the presence of Chinese nationals engaged in illegal activities.

“I stand by my word. There are Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities. It’s just a matter of how the NBI and the PNP define these activities,” Atty. Jeremiah Sargado, NBI-6 acting regional director, said.

Sargado’s statement followed the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6’s announcement that the presence of Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities remains unverified.

However, the NBI-6 chief clarified that his assertion does not invalidate Brigadier General Jack Wanky’s statement, Western Visayas police chief.

“It’s a matter of defining illegal activity. If you’re focused on criminal activities, scams, and POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), then we don’t have that. I think that’s what the PNP considers illegal activities. Ours is different,” Sargado said.

He added that their monitoring suggests the non-existence of POGOs, scams, and other cybercrime-related activities by Chinese nationals.

However, Sargado noted that the NBI is also investigating Chinese nationals working without permits.

“We consider that an illegal activity, as well as overstaying aliens,” he said.

Regarding criminal activities of Chinese nationals in Iloilo City, Sargado said they were violating the Anti-Dummy Law.

Formally known as Commonwealth Act No. 108, this law safeguards national interest and security by restricting foreign influence and control over domestic businesses.

“Because they cannot engage in business, they use Filipinos to register businesses, but they are the ones operating them. These Chinese nationals also use dummy names,” Sargado explained.

In such cases, the police cannot investigate without a complaint. However, the NBI can investigate motu proprio, meaning they can act without a complaint.

“This is about the mandate and coverage of the investigation,” Sargado said, indicating that the PNP did not err in stating they haven’t monitored illegal activities related to illegal gambling and cybercrime.

On Monday, Wanky ordered the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to monitor Chinese nationals potentially involved in illegal activities, particularly illegal gambling or activities related to offshore gaming.

However, the ICPO’s report was negative.

Wanky’s clarification followed Iloilo City’s lone district Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda’s statement that the NBI confirmed the presence of Chinese nationals allegedly involved in illegal transactions and businesses in the city.

Baronda, who had previously written to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate, said in a radio interview that NBI officials visited her office with information on the increasing number of Chinese nationals engaging in illegal activities in the city.

Baronda declined to elaborate further.

Wanky stated that police operatives regularly conduct intelligence fusion with other members of the intelligence community, including the NBI.

When asked if his office communicated with Baronda, Sargado affirmed, explaining that one of his investigators provided feedback to Baronda following her formal inquiry.

Baronda has also communicated with another intelligence agency about the same matter.

However, the agency declined, stating they would only provide information if officially called for an investigation in aid of legislation.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and NBI-6 met to discuss the presence of Chinese nationals in Iloilo City.

Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, said they discussed each agency’s mandate.

“There are mandates exclusive to each agency. For us, we’re focused on violations of the Revised Penal Code and special laws,” Legada said.

Legada noted that the complaints received by the NBI differ from those of the PNP.

He emphasized the importance of all government agencies working together to protect the public’s best interests.