BI nabs 21 Chinese nationals illegally working in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested 21 Chinese nationals illegally trading in two shopping malls in Pasay City.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement the Chinese vendors were apprehended last December 18 for “working in the country without permits.”

Twelve of the foreign nationals were arrested at One Shopping Center while nine others at Two Shopping Center, said BI acting intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr.

According to Morente, the bureau conducted the operation after receiving a tip that foreigners were operating in the malls without appropriate working visa.

Last month, immigration agents have already apprehended seven illegal foreign vendors in one of the named establishments. Morente then issued a warning against foreigners working in the country without the necessary visas.

“These illegal aliens are brazenly working out in the open, violating immigration laws and steal jobs from Filipinos,” Morente pointed out.

“We will not stop hunting them down and sending them out,” he added.

The 21 Chinese nationals are currently detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending deportation proceedings. /kga