Dozens of Chinese detained in the Philippines over visa issues  

File photo taken on May 14 of nine Chinese fishermen captured by Philippine police near China's Half Moon Shoal on South China Sea. All the nine fishermen pleaded not guilty to the charge that they were "poaching" endangered sea animals. (Photo: CNS)

(ECNS) – Dozens of Chinese construction workers have been detained by Philippine authorities for visa investigations.

The Chinese Embassy to the Philippines confirmed on Thursday that two Chinese construction units were inspected and over 10 Chinese workers had been detained by authorities, including the Bureau of Immigration and the National Investigation Bureau.

The immigration authorities did visa checks on foreign laborers at several electric power plants in the northern Philippines' Batangas.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, security personnel at one electric plant tried to stop the officers, which escalated into a conflict. The plant has one Chinese contractor that has hired several hundred Chinese workers.

A total of 600 foreign workers have been arrested.

The Chinese Embassy immediately intervened, urging impartial investigations and decent treatment of the Chinese nationals.

The embassy reminded Chinese institutions and individuals in the Philippines to abide by local laws, get proper work permits and not abuse their visa privileges.