35 illegal Chinese construction workers arrested, to be deported

MANILA, Philippines – Thirty-five illegal Chinese workers will be deported and barred from reentering the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Thursday.

“We will initiate deportation proceedings against these illegal aliens for blatantly disobeying the law,” BI chief Jaime Morente said.

The Chinese nationals were arrested at a construction site in Parañaque City.

“They were caught doing tile setting, finishing works, wood works, and other construction activities, which is in clear violation of the conditions of their stay,” BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said.

Foreign nationals are barred from engaging in manual labor, the BI said.

“They will be deported and barred from returning to the Philippines,” Morente stressed.

The arrest stemmed from several complaints that the Chinese nationals were causing trouble at the construction site.

Manahan, at least two Philippine construction companies building projects in three different streets were involved in hiring the 35 Chinese workers.

The arrested Chinese workers refused to identify themselves, but Manahan assured that “a thorough biometric records check will reveal their true identities.” (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)