The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Chinese national for allegedly posing as a Filipino, as part of intensified efforts to protect the integrity of Philippine identification documents under the directive of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. identified the suspect as Zhou Jianxiao, 35, who was apprehended on April 10 in Barangay Malainin, Ibaan, Batangas. Authorities said Zhou misrepresented himself as a Filipino using the alias “Donny Flores Zhou,” which appeared on his Philippine driver’s license.

The arrest was carried out by BI’s Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 4A in coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Zhou is facing charges for violating Section 37(a)(7) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which penalizes foreign nationals for misrepresentation and fraudulent use of documents.

Authorities said Zhou was managing a warehouse in the area at the time of his arrest. Further inspection of the site led to the apprehension of three other Chinese nationals—Li Qican, Ji Jingui, and Chen Longlong—for separate immigration violations, including overstaying and working without proper permits.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado described the case as a growing national security concern, warning that some foreign nationals are able to blend into local communities by posing as Filipinos.

“We deem this as a national security issue,” he said, vowing continued coordination with law enforcement agencies to track down similar offenders.

The BI noted that while such cases have long existed, public attention has intensified following the high-profile arrest of Alice Guo. “This is another Guo Hua Ping case,” Viado said, adding that more individuals may be involved and will be pursued by authorities.