A Chinese national pretending to be a Filipino citizen was arrested by Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives in Cagayan de Oro City, officials said on Monday.
The suspect, identified as Xu Shiyan, was found in possession of multiple Philippine-issued documents under a Filipino identity, including a birth certificate, TIN card, postal ID, driver’s license, and a Commission on Elections (Comelec) registration slip — all bearing his photo.
Xu reportedly used his assumed identity to access privileges exclusive to Filipino citizens, such as property ownership, business registration, firearms licensing, and possibly, political participation.
“This case is not just an immigration violation — it undermines the integrity of our national identity,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. He stressed the need to stop the illegal issuance of Philippine documents, calling it a national security threat.
Viado added that stronger inter-agency coordination is necessary to prevent foreign nationals from exploiting the system. Xu will face charges for violating the Philippine Immigration Act.
