‘11 arrested Chinese may be looking for uranium’

MANILA, Philippines —  The 11 Chinese nationals recently arrested in Paracale, Camarines Norte for allegedly engaging in illegal mining may be exploring the area for uranium, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission.

PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio said that engineers pointed to the technology used by the foreigners.

“They said the technology could potentially be used for uranium extraction,” Casio said. “The technology used by the group was not ordinary. It is highly possible that they were not only looking for gold, but also uranium deposits.”

He said there could be potential sources of uranium in the area.

While the possibility is being studied, Casio clarified that no confirmation has been made yet on the possibility of uranium mining.

The Chinese nationals were arrested on Sunday following a raid on a mineral processing plant in Barangay Tugos.

The raid was conducted by a joint team of the PAOCC and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) with the assistance of the local police and the military.

The suspects were identified as Chang Si Ci, Chen Chan Xia, Chen Gui Hua, Jiu Zhong Ren, Li Chun, Liu Wei Mang, Liu Wei Xi, Lou Peng, Shen Yuan Fan, Yu Yun Lai and Zhen Zi Yu.

Casio said the raid was in line with PAOCC’s intensified campaign against illegal mining and other criminal activities perpetrated by foreigners.

Authorities are still investigating the extent of the activities of the suspects as well as the potential violation of mining regulations and environmental laws.

The Chinese men failed to present passports or any document during initial inspection.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the suspects would be deported if they are found to be staying illegally in the country.