Intelligence agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have arrested 20 Chinese nationals who were allegedly staying illegally in the country.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the foreigners were rounded up on Friday while selling goods at the 11/88 Mall on Reina Regente Street in Divisoria, Manila.
They were taken to the BI detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig City.
Morente said the 20 foreigners would undergo summary deportation proceedings for working without permits and for violating the conditions of their stay.
According to him, most of those arrested were only tourists, making it illegal for them to engage in any gainful activity in the country.
Acting immigration intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the operation was prompted by complaints sent to the BI about the presence of foreigners inside the mall who were selling goods.
Charges to be filed
“We will recommend to our legal division the filing of deportation charges against them for violating our immigration laws,” Manahan said.
Initial investigation showed that some of those arrested had expired visas while others appeared to be undocumented because they could not show their passports and visas.