NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila – The support and collaboration of Naval Forces West with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency had been instrumental in the arrest of four Chinese nationals suspected of conducting fraudulent schemes involving government-issued identification cards and documents on March 19 in Palawan.

The operation, hailed as a triumph in the fight against identity fraud, was carried out in Bgy. San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City, nabbing the alleged masterminds behind the illicit operation such as Wang Tao, Li Xiaoming, Guo Zhi Yang, and Lyu Zhiyang, alias Ken Garcia Lee.

During the operation, a cache of Philippine-issued IDs, including drivers’ licenses, postal IDs, and birth certificates, were seized from the foreign nationals who allegedly facilitated the illegal procurement of Philippine documents for foreign nationals.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco commended the operatives for apprehending what he referred to as "big fish" in the world of identity fraud. Tansingco then reiterated the importance of vigilance among local government units, urging them to report instances of illegal activities by foreign nationals in their jurisdictions.

Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. likewise said that this inter- agency accomplishment highlights the Philippine Navy’s mandate in assisting other government agencies in the enforcement of laws and regulations toward safeguarding the nation's interests and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

PUBLISHED BY:    Naval Public Affairs Office (NPAO) CDR JOHN PERCIE A ALCOS PN(GSC) Director, Naval Public Affairs Office