SIBUGAY GOV’T WELCOMES JOINT OPERATIONS, URGES VIGILANCE OVER FOREIGN NATIONALS
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — October 2, 2026 — The Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay has called for continued vigilance following the simultaneous operations conducted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other law-enforcement agencies in Alicia and Siay, saying credible reports of possible unlawful activities must be acted upon promptly.
In an official statement issued Friday, the provincial government said it commended the BI and participating agencies for carrying out the operations, which reportedly resulted in the apprehension and rescue of approximately 200 foreign nationals allegedly linked to suspected fraudulent and other unlawful activities.
The provincial government said the operations were conducted pursuant to Mission Orders issued by the Bureau of Immigration after a complaint was filed, followed by intelligence-gathering activities that provided the basis for the subsequent enforcement actions.
The province emphasized that the government’s prompt response to credible reports is important in preventing potentially unlawful activities from taking root in local communities.
At the same time, the provincial government carefully stressed that the allegations arising from the operations have yet to be fully established.
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“Any determination of liability must be relentlessly pursued based on evidence,” the provincial government said, underscoring that all proceedings must comply with due process and applicable laws.
The statement also specifically highlighted the province’s position against activities that could violate Philippine immigration and criminal laws, particularly those involving human trafficking and transnational crimes.
“Zamboanga Sibugay is a peaceful, orderly, and law-abiding province,” the provincial government said, adding that it would not allow communities to be used as venues for activities that violate Philippine law.
The provincial government also directed attention to the role of local officials and law-enforcement authorities, calling on them to remain vigilant within their respective jurisdictions.
Residents, meanwhile, were encouraged to report suspicious or potentially unlawful activities through the proper government channels rather than allowing concerns to go unreported.
The provincial government said it is prepared to work closely with the concerned national agencies and extend all possible assistance in enforcing laws and lawful orders within the province.
The statement comes as authorities continue processing the foreign nationals apprehended during the operations in Alicia and Siay. Their identities, immigration status and individual circumstances remain subject to verification.
The provincial government’s statement did not make a final determination regarding the alleged activities, stressing that the facts must first be established through investigation.
It also underscored the importance of balancing enforcement with the protection of individual rights, particularly in cases where some of those apprehended may potentially be victims of trafficking or exploitation.
The province ultimately reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its communities, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the welfare and interests of Zamboanga Sibugay residents, while leaving the determination of possible criminal or immigration liability to the appropriate authorities based on evidence.
