Following the arrest of seven Chinese nationals allegedly working illegally at a quarry site in Taysan, Batangas, the local government clarified that the quarry's operations were legal and documented properly.

According to documents shown by the Taysan Local Government Unit (LGU), the site has an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and a quarry permit issued by the provincial government, which also allowed them to obtain a business permit from the LGU.

The issue lies with the alleged illegal employment of Chinese nationals.

"Sadyang hindi namin alam na may Chinese na nagta-trabaho, dahil ‘pag sila’y kumuha ng business permit, automatic kasama ang names ng lahat ng empleyado ultimo kung ano ‘yung mga position," Mayor Edilberto Adabay said.

"Walang isang Chinese man lang na pangalan na nakalagay nung sila’y kumuha ng permit," Adabay added.

In response, the mayor has ordered all quarry sites in the town to submit the names of foreign employees. 

Inspections have already been conducted at 15 quarry sites, including the one where the Chinese nationals were apprehended.

Since 2023, the LGU has shut down four quarry sites due to lack of documents.

"Bilang pagtulong ko na rin dito sa [Bureau of] Immigration. Hiningan ko na rin ‘yang mga quarrying ng mga pangalan kung anong quarry sila, kung ilan ang kanilang empleyado, at kung sinuman ang empleyado," Adabay said.

All quarry sites in the town are expected to submit their employee lists this week.